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ESTHER, 



OTHER POEMS 



F K A N K C . Bliss. 
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■9 



NEWARK. N. J. : 

F. C. Bliss ^S: Co 
1 88 1. 



16 \m\ 



Copyright by. F. C. Buss & Co. 

Newark, N. J. 

1881. 

All Rights Secured. 



L. J. Hardham, Printer, Newark, N. jf. 



f=l 



TO 

MY DAUGHTER, 

MRS. E. B. KENNEDY, 

OF 

BLOOMFIELD, N. J. , 

THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY 

DEDICATED, 

BY 

T H E A U T II O R . 



CONTENTS. 





PAGE. 


QUEEN ESTHER, - - - " 


II 


LESSONS OF LIFE, - - - ' 


- 105 


IN MEMORIAM, - - - - " 


183 


THE miser's fate, - - - " 


- 191 


MIDNIGHT TRAGEDY, 


194 


WESTMINSTER, - - - - - 


- 197 


GIVE US THIS DAY, OUR DAILY BREAD, 


200 


REFLECTIONS, - - - - - 


- 203 


LIFE AND DEATH, - - - " 


205 


CHRISTMAS HYMN, - - - - 


- 207 



Queen Esther 

A TRAGIC POEM. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 



King Ahasuerus, - Monarch of the Persian Empire. 

Queen Vashti, - The First Queen of the Monarch. 

Queen Esther, • - The Last Queen of the Monarch. 

Haman, - - - - Chief Prince of the Empire. 

MORDECAI, - - - - One of the persecuted Jews. 

Carshena, I 

MemuCEN, I - - - - Princes of the Empire. 

Admatha, J 

Bigthan, ) 

Conspirators agaifist the King's Life. 
Teresh, \ 

Zeresh, __---- Wife of Ha/nan. 

Sylvania, - - - - Maid of Queen Vashti. 

Ophelia, ) 

- - - - Maids of Queen Esther. 
Bashmah, \ 

Hatach, Chamberlain — an attendant upon Queen Esther, 

MEHUMEN, ^ 

BiZTHA, I - The King's Chamberlains. 

HaRBONA AND OTHERS, J 



Queen Esther 



ACT I. 

Scene First — in the palace shushan. 

KING AHASUERUS. {To himself.) 

Three years upon my throne 
Have I now sat, conqueror, and ruler 
Of mighty provinces. Vast my Empire ! 
From Caspian Sea to Indian Ocean, — 
From India to Ethiopia 

It now extends. In riches, how exhaustless 
In arms, how powerful ! for all the powers 
Of Media and of Persia but do my 

B 11 



12 Queen Esther, 

Bidding. 'Tis the Imperial Throne where sat 

The noble Cyrus, who Asia conquered, 

And with his fiery hosts pulled down the walls 

And towers of proud and haughty Babylon. 

In this my palace Shushan, the abode 

Of former Kings, 'tis fit I should announce 

The glory of my kingdom, — its riches 

And its power. No longer will I rest 

In proud, unsocial solitude, for Kings 

And Monarchs, like the great orb of day, will 

Shine in vain, if unseen — unhonored. 

I love dominion. 
Pride and power, and to my heart's content 
I'll use them ! Before me yet shall bow, 
As subjects and as slaves, one hundred petty 
Kings to learn their Master's will, — revolving 
Round me. like stars about the sun. 
Ho ! my attendants. 



(Enter Mehumen, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and others — the 
King 's Chamberlains — bowing,) 



MEHUMEN. 

What is our Sovereign's pleasure ? 



Queen Esther. 13 

THE KING. 

Make instant preparations 
For a feast, sumptuous, princely, regal, 
Worthy of Earth's Imperial Monarch — 
One that will eclipse the dazzling, gorgeous 
Banquet of my famous predecessor. 
For our many guests, the gold and silver 
Beds prepare, and bring ye forth the royal 
Wines, with goblets, vases, and the thousand 
Vessels of purest gold, now lying dust- 
Covered in the secret closets. Burnish 
To dazzling brightness, the golden sceptre, 
And jeweled diadem ; with fresh flowers, 
With opening blossoms, with fragrant shrubbery 
Bedeck our hanging gardens— scatter round 
Arabia's sweet perfumes, her frankincense 
And myrrh — in halls and niches, have arranged 
Images of ivory, of ebony 

And gold, from conquered Ethiopia brought. 
In great abundance, gather the choicest 
Viands — the rare luxuries of the East, 
And for the space of one hundred, four score 
Days let the feast continue. Yea, more ! Send 



14 Queen Esther. 

Forth the heralds, and let rulers, nobles. 
Princes, scattered throughout the provinces, 
At the feast appear— homage pay to him 
Whose word alone is law. TJic King coniDiands 
Their presence. 

MEHUMEN. ■ 



It shall be done, O King 



As thou commandest. 

THE KING. 

Let there be no delay ! 
If not well done, thine head shall pay the forfeit. 
But further I command ; when have expired 
These days of banqueting, another feast 
Be given in the great garden-court, next 
To our royal palace. Have it prepared ; 
Festooned about with hangings of crimson, 
White, green and blue, made fast to silver rings 
And marble pillars, by cords of purple 
Linen, finest in texture. Let there be 
Pavements reared, of red and blue, white and black 
Marble, and place thereon cushions of gold 



Queen Esther, 15 

And silver, while in convenient corners, 
On golden tripods, set up the massive, 
Frosted basins — beside them precious ointments, 
And ewers richly embossed, with perfumed 
Waters filled. Our guests, dust-covered, traveling 
From afar, will find them useful. 

Twine everywhere around, 
Necklaces of choicest flowers, with wreaths 
And garlands of divers forms, and colors 
Variegated. Clusters of grapes, composed 
Of jewels, pearls, and precious stones, bring from 
Our Babylonian palace, and hang 
Them o'er our golden throne — let fountains play. 
Forth sending mist-like spray and sparkling streams, 
Cooling and most refreshing. Ten thousand 
Colored lights prepare, and thickly string them 
Out 'mong branches of the trees, in hanging 
Gardens, from palace windows, from every 
Marble pillar, and let those brilliants shine 
With dazzling brightness, making our palace 
Shushan, like the great city of the Sun, 
Beautiful and lovely. From highest mountain 
Tops, all round about, let fires be kindled, 



1 6 Queen Esther. 

And to the GREAT SUPREME, who rules the spheres 
And the celestial planets we adore, 
Let sacrifice be offered. 

For seven long days and nights, 
Shall last this garden banquet. Hasten now 
And do my bidding, and at the proper 
Time, to this great second feast, invite both 
Great and small, for all shall come and homage 
Pay to me, their Sovereign. 

MEHUMEN. 

We go, most gracious Sovereign ! 
To perform thy will and purposes. 

[Exeunt attendants.) 



Scene Second— room in mordecai's dwelling. 

MO RDECAI. ( To himself.) 

From my birth, 
In mind — in spirit, I have worn the chains 
Of slavery. A freedman, some may say 
I am. 'Tis but an insult to our race. 



Queen Esther. 17 

For what is freedom without human rights? 

Worse than a knavish beggar in the streets, 

I'm laughed at, mocked, derided, scorned. The 

words, 
"There goes the heathen Jew," in tones bitter 
And sarcastic, strike deep within my soul 
And make me sick at heart. But yesterday, 
A tinseled knave dancing about the Court, 
Dared utter words against our Jewish race. 
Which drove the blood, hot, boiling through my 

veins. 
And woke the Devil in me. I would have 
Struck him dead, though rack and gibbet should have 
Been my doom ; but my good angel Esther, — 
In thought, rose in my mind — my passions cooled 
And kept me quiet. For my adopted 
Daughter's sake, and to fulfill the solemn 
Pledge I gave my dear kinsman, her father 
On his death- bed — safely to guard, protect. 
Instruct her — hard though it be — to treatment 
Such as this, I must submit. 

How long, thou great Jehovah ! 
Must this heavy curse upon Thy chosen 



1 8 Queen Esther. 

People rest ? 'Tis fourscore years since they were 
By proud Nebuchadnezzar, sent captive 
Into Babylon, who, in his fiendish 
Hate, destroyed Jerusalem — in pieces 
Breaking the golden vessels and burning 
Solomon's Temple, to Thee, dedicated ; 

Most just and righteous are Thy judgments. 
For we transgressed Thy law, and Judah's king 
Jeconiah, did, as his fathers did. 
Great evil in Thy sight, and Thou dids't send 
Him captive with us. Mercies, Thou hast shown, 
For which we bless Thee ! Our tyrant Master, 
In the plain of Dura, most impiously 
A golden statue raised, commanding all 
To bow and worship. Swift was Thy vengeance, 
For forth he went a raving maniac — 
With brutes he herded, till his hairs became 
Like eagles' feathers, and his nails like claws 
Of birds, and like an ox did he eat grass 
Yea, more ! the good and mighty Cyrus, Thou 
Did'st raise, an instrument to do Thy will 
Among the Nations of the Earth. Down he 
Came on boasting Babylon, resistless 



Queen Esther. 19 

As the thunderbolt, and swift as Hghtning, 

E'en while Belshazzar, the licentious king, 

Was gazing with his midnight revelers 

At words, "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin," 

Written on the wall, by hand mysterious. 

Belshazzar fell, and with him, this harlot 

City. Then went there forth the just decree, 

Freedom to captive Jews. Had Cyrus lived, 

We should have been free indeed. Chains we wear 

Not, but still are slaves, for like serpents' fangs, 

This strong, cursed prejudice against our race 

Is poisoning its very life-blood. 

Like aged oak 
Rocked to and fro, by whirlwinds and by storms. 
So must these feeble limbs a few years more 
Withstand the scorn, and buffets of the world. 
For myself I care not, but for Esther, 
The fair and lovely maiden, whose many 
Virtues, winning, modest ways and gentle 
Manners, like cords have bound her to my heart, 
I fear and tremble, for should her matchless 
Charms and radiant loveliness, be, by some 
Heathen dog discovered, like a pet lamb, 



20 Queen Esther, 

Innocent and guileless, she would be led 
To slaughter; yea, be sacrificed upon 
The altar of his passions. But hark! 
She comes ! 

(Enter Esther. ) 
ESTHER. 

Thou here ? I thought thee absent, 
Dearest of fathers ! Go not out to-day ! 
My heart with very joy doth throb, when thou 
Art present with me. 

MORDECAI. 

I would be always with thee 
If happiness it gave ; but life hath cares 
And stern necessities, which must not be 
Ignored. We must have food and raiment. 
And like the busy ant and bee, daily 
I labor to provide some future store. 

ESTHER. 

Have we not enough 
For years to keep us in our simple style 



Queen Esther. 21 

Of living? To see thee toil and labor, 

Embrowned by blazing sun, brow seamed with care, 

And hands hardened in menial service, brings 

Sorrow to my heart, and casts a shadow 

O'er my soul. Could I but toil for thee, or had 

I wealth to scatter along thy pathway. 

How joyous my life ; for always with thee, 

I could watch thy slow, and faltering steps 

As wintry age came on, and for all wants 

Provide. 

MORDECAI. 

I doubt thee not, fair 
Daughter of a noble, but a misjudged 
Race. Kings cannot boast of blood more royal. 
Or more pure than that which courses through thy 
Veins, thou soul of Innocence — of women 
The most virtuous. 

ESTHER. 

Hast thou faith in dreams? 

MORDECAI. 

In nothing have I faith. 
Save God and thee. But wherefore ask? 



22 Queen Esther. 

ESTHER, 

Last night I had a dream ; 
So strange, so real did it seem, that when 
I woke I could not drive it from my mind, 
And still it haunts me. Methought I wandered 
Forth, one bright and sunny day, to gather 
Violets and pale lilies from the fields, 
With which to deck our humble mansion. 
Joyous and thoughtless as the singing birds 
Around, onward I went o'er hill and vale. 
Through verdant meadow and up grassy slopes, 
Plucking the wild flowerets which seemed to smile 
Sweetly upon me. The lengthening shadows. 
And the sun far down the western slope, brought 
Back my thoughts and bade me hasten to return. 
Quickly I turned, my footsteps to retrace. 
But all had changed. Hill, vale, the green verdure. 
And music of the birds were gone. Alone 
1 stood, in a vast, wild and trackless desert, 
'Mid arid sands, while from afar still blazed 
The angry setting sun— seemed like the eye 
Of God, throwing His burning glances thwart 
A sinful world. Trembling, helpless, hopeless, 



Queen Esther, 23 

Like some shipwrecked wretch cast on a barren 
Shore, I felt that I was lost. Oh ! how my 
Heart did throb and my pulse beat, as if some 
Raging fever burned within, while the brain 
Seemed bursting, from the hot blood that pressed it. 

Mine eyes I raised to heaven. 
And there a speck I saw, like tiny cloud 
Far distant in the air. Nearer to earth 
It came, circles describing of a large 
Extent. It was a monster bird, with wings 
Wide spread, and of prodigious size and strength. 
Now hovering o'er me, motionless it seemed, 
For I could see its cold, black eye gazing 
Serpent-like upon its prey, then circling 
Round with a wild screech, like fiend incarnate, 
Down it swooped upon me ; then skyward went 
The proud eagle, with its talons fastened 
In my dress, bearing me far distant 'bove 
The clouds, to high and rugged cliffs where foot 
Of man had never trod. 

Almost bereft of sense. 
In a great warm nest, among the eaglets 
I was laid, which cuddled with feathery 



24 Qii'een Esther. 



Softness round n^le^seemingly delighted. 
And thus all night I lay^ith my head out 



5¥f 



From 'neath the wings Wf the great, powerful 
Bird that brooded us, Upward gazing at 
The large convex of Chaldean sky, crowned 
With twinkling stars, which brightly shone till 

dimmed 
By the red streaks of morning light. Soon from 
The east up rose the giant Sun, and with 
His burning eye scanned the earth o'er till on 
The rugged cliff it rested, and on us 
The focus, like angry God, a stream he 
Hurled, of hot, burning, scorching rays of light, 
Like flame concentrated. We were consumed ; 
No ! not consumed ; but purified, transformed — 
Perhaps evolutionized. 

All, methought had changed. 
The eagle was a man, in kingly robes 
With crown and sceptre, and his word was law, 
While round his throne, as nobles and as lords, 
Were the young eaglets to perform his will. 
Your daughter Esther had become a queen, 
And on the throne beside the King she sat — 



Queen Esther. 2$ 

His loving wife, and sharer of his.joys 
And sorrows. Even the nest, my prison 
For one night, was like the Palace Shushan — 
Most beautiful and lovely. Yea ! I dreamed 
That power and riches I possessed, which 
Freely did I give to benefit our 
Race ; and you my father, were to honor 
Raised and greatly favored by the King. 
This was my dream, painful, yet delightful. 
What think you of it ? 

MORDECAI. 

Dreams are but visions 
Of the mind, which come and go like summer 
Clouds — mere phantoms of the brain, most vivid 
In conception, and varied in imagery. 
God never sleeps! Nor does the soul immortal, 
For while the passions rest, and senses sleep, 
The mind is ever active, wandering 
At will *mong by-gone days, and scenes long since 
Forgotten. It can no more rest, than can 
The heart, which ever throbs, driving the life- 
Blood through the system, or pulse, which ever 



26 Queen Esther. 

Beats, so long as health and life continue. 

Most fearfully and wonderfully made 

Is the human frame. Both in its system 

Corporeal, and in its operations 

It is complex, and little do we know 

Respecting it. Forget thy dream, and blot 

It from your mind. 

ESTHER. 

I cannot ! It seems prophetic. 

MORDECAI. 

To me it seems like visions, spectres, 
Seen only by some hypochondriac. 
But Esther go not out unveiled ; thy charms 
Might catch the eye of noble, or of prince, 
Who gladly in thine ear would breathe the fou] 
Pollution of the Court ; besides, I hear 
That in the palace a sumptuous feast 
Is ordered, and the King his heralds sends 
Into the provinces, commanding all 
To come — prince, noble, ruler, and do him 
Homage for one hundred and fourscore days. 



Queen Esther. 27 



ESTHER. 

I never go unveiled ! 
Our ancient custom, do I most strictly 
Follow. 

MORDECAI. 

Excuse me now ; for a little while 

Must I go forth — soon will return and seek 

Thy loved companionship. 

[Exeunt.) 



Scene Third— queen's apartments in the palace. 

Vashti the Queen, and Sylvania her maid. 
SYLVANIA. ( Entering. ) 

There have arrived 

The King's chamberlains, and outside await 

Your royal will. Permission they do ask, 

In person to present a message from 

Our sovereign. 
c 



28 Queen EstJier. 

QUEEN VASHTI. 

What message can they have, 
And why so many sent, as if it were 
A ponderous load ? but hither bring my veil, 
And cast it o'er me ; — now bid them enter. 

{Enter Mehumen, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha — the 
King s chain berlains— bowing. ) 

VASHTI. 

A message from the King ? 
What is my sovereign's pleasure? 

MEHUMEN, 

'Tis the seventh day 
Of the great garden-feast, and his majesty — 
Our sovereign, commands thy royal presence, 
And has sent us, thee to accompany 
With the crown royal. To lords and princes. 
And to all the people, he would exhibit 
Thy matchless beauty. This, his signet-ring 
Shows our authority, 

QUEEN VASHTI. 

The ring I recognize ; 
But most strange it is, that he such message 



Queen Esther, 29 

Should have sent — commanding me, his Queen, 
Unveiled, uncovered, to appear before 
The motley crowd, now present at the feast. 
Surely, it cannot be ! 

MEHUMEN. 

Such was his command, 
And with it gave this ring, — bade us hasten 
Our departure, and with us bring the Queen. 

QUEEN VASHTI. 

What said the King? 
Give me his message, word by word. 

MEHUMEN. 

He was seated 
On his banquet throne, in the great palace 
Garden. Gathered there upon his right and left 
At feast reclining, were nobles, princes, 
Rulers, who had come from distant provinces 
With their attendants ; and of the lower 
Ranks, thousands were present. The King seemed 

flushed 
With wine, and midst the revelry, to his 



30 Queen Esther, 

Presence called us. " Go to the Queen," said he, 
" Give her this signet-ring, and bid her come 
At once, and crown our banquet with her most 
Gracious smile, and matchless beauty. Hasten ! 
And with the crown royal bring her. The King 
Commands, — let her obey," — those were his words. 

QUEEN VASHTI. 

I am a Queen ! 
And in my veins flows royal blood. As Queen, 
Obedient have I ever been to him, 
My lord and sovereign ; — for nothing has he 
Asked unjust, improper. But now, all flushed 
With wine, the mistress of his throne he would 
Degrade, and on her brow would stamp gross shame 
And infamy ; I will not stoop to acts 
Base and ignoble in themselves, which blot 
Out modesty, virtue cheapen, and which 
The rules and customs of our land forbid. 

MEHUMEN. 

If I have grace of speech. 
Which oft has served my country, and my King, — 
And would serve you, most sacred majesty, 



Queen Esther. 31 

Oh ! let me urge you to obey this stern, 
But royal mandate,— unjust, ungracious 
As it is. 

QUEEN VASHTI. 

It is impossible ! 
Custom forbids that we attend these feasts, 
Or before strangers stand unveiled. I am 
No slave polluted, for the tinseled throng 
To gaze at, nor before these licentious 
Princes of the court will I now debase 
My womanhood. 

MEHUMEN. 

Without you, we tremble to return. 
For the King's wrath is terrible. 



QUEEN VASHTI. 

Have no fears for me, for sooner 
Than obey this royal mandate, I will 
Cast the Crown from off my head, and trample 
It in the dust beneath my feet. Go ! tell 
The King, he wounds his honor, tarnishes 
His throne, degrades his manhood, when he seeks 



32 Que €71 Esther. 

To make his Queen the gazing stock of those 
Vile, drunken revelers.— You can depart. 

[Exeunt chamherla'ms.) 

( The Queen takes off her veil, and throws herself weeping upon 
a couch. Enters Sylvania.) 

SYLVAN I A. 

My Royal Mistress weeping ! 
What mean these tears, now coursing down thy 

cheeks ? — 
Sure heralds of a sorrowing heart. 

QUEEN VASHTI. 

I am sick at heart ! 
Would that I were dead, and in the cold grave 
Forgotten. 

SYLVANIA. 

Dead, and forgotten ! Remember whom 
Thou art, and who thy husband is, and then 
Dry up your tears. You are not unequal 
To the noblest task. 

QUEEN VASHTL 

Think not Sylvania, that without cause 

I weep, and seem so broken-hearted. Thou 

Hast been ever dear to me, and art still 



Queen Esther. 33 

My loved companion, though thou dost perform 
The menial service of a maid. When crowned 
A Queen, unto myself I vowed in all 
Things to obey my sovereign's will,— conscience 
Permitting, — and well you know I have this 
Vow performed. The King has been a loving, 
Kind protector, and his commands have not 
Been disobeyed. But alas ! what fearful 
Change ; the sun-light of my heart is now puffed 
Out by the dark storm-cloud, and my summer- 
Days blasted, as if by winter's frosts. 

SYLVAN I A. 

What means my mistress — 
Thou art still Queen ? 

QUEEN VASHTI. 

I am, but to-morrow 
May not be. The King has pride, has power. 
And an imperious will. These harden 
Kings, insensibly to tyrants. Inflamed 
By wine, he bade me to appear unveiled 
Before him at the garden feast, and like 
A gew-gaw, there to be exhibited. 



34 Queen Esther. 

SYLVANIA. 

What folly ! and what an insult 
To you my mistress ! 

QUEEN VASHTI. 

These men, — his chamberlains, he sent 
To bring the message, and be an escort 
To me ; I have refused to go — my blood 
Shall stop, and stagnate in my heart before 
I change my purpose. On my infant mind. 
My mother's hand traced the faint characters 
Of virtue and of modesty, which time 
Has deepened into strength, — so deep, that death 
Alone can blur them. But enough of this, — 
Come with me into the ante-chamber. 

[Exeunt.) 



ACT II. 

Scene First— the garden of the palace. 

[King, Lords, Nobles, and Princes at the feast.) 
KING. 

How fare my honored guests, 
And faithful subjects ? What can I do more 
To give you pleasure, and your hearts to fill 
With joy and gladness ? Let the cup-bearers 
Come, our goblets fill again with choicest 
Wine, — the sparkling juice of Egypt's grapes. 
'Tis our last night of banqueting, and we 
Would have it pass in wildest merriment. 
The Queen will soon be here, and the last toast 
Shall be her health and happiness, — for ever 
Hath she been my most obedient subject. 

[Enter Mehunien, and other chatnberlains.) 

Where is the Queen ? Without her, why return ? 



36 Queen Esther. 

MEHUMEN. 

Most mighty Sovereign ! 
Upon our bended knees, pardon we crave 
For our offence, if in thy sight offence 
It should appear, because we bring her not. 

KING. 

What ! comes she not ? 
By my soul, 'tis very strange ! — explain ! 

MEHUMEN. 

Obeying thy commands, 
We called upon her majesty, — showed her 
The signet-ring, and message gave, but she 
Refused here to appear, unveiled before 
The guests. We urged her strongly, but could not 
Change her purpose. Custom, she said, forbade 
Her to appear, as did her modesty, 
And virtue. 

KING. 

Such presumptuous virtue 
My pride provokes, and what is custom when 
My will opposes? Did she say no more? 



Queen Esther. 37 

MEHUMEN. 

She blushed, and trembled, and grew pale. 
But with a voice clear and determined, said, 
"■ I will not stoop to acts, base and ignoble 
In themselves, nor before the licentious 
Princes of the court debase my womanhood. 
Go! tell the King, that manhood he degrades, 
Tarnishes his throne, and wounds his honor. 
When he seeks to make his Queen the laughing- 
stock of midnight revelers." 

KING. 

God of my fathers ! 
Was it to me, her monarch, that she sent 
This impious message. This virtuous, 
Modest hypocrite has roused a whirlwind 
In me, and for it she shall suffer. Go ! 
Bring her here before me — heed not her tears 
Or prayers ; bring her by force, if force should be 
Required. 

PRINCE CARSHENA. 

One thought, most gracious sovereign, 
We would suggest — Vashti is Queen, — as such, 



38 Queen Esther. 

Should be respected. Let not force be used, 
To bring her here against her will, — manly, 
Or king-like it would not appear. 

KING. 

True ! true ! So long as she is Queen, she must 
Be free from violence. We will not send 
Again, but must here devise some proper 
Mode of punishment. Pray tell me, Princes, 
What shall be done with her, who wilfully 
Has disobeyed the mandate of the King, 
Insults our guests, and maligns the Princes 
Of our realm ? 

PRINCE MEMUCAN. 

It gives me pain, O King ! 
To freely speak my mind respecting this 
Domestic difficulty. Accomplished 
Is the Queen, most wondrous fair, and doubtless 
Is a noble lady, but like too many 
Of her sex, she lacks discretion. She hath 
A spirit, too, — which cannot brook control, — 
Wild and ungoverned, and thus the counsels 
Of the King she laughs to scorn, disobeys 



Queen Estlicr. 39 

His will, refuses to comply with his 

Most just commands. The Sovereign's will is law, 

And the King's dignity is public wealth, 

In which all have an interest, and all 

Must see preserved. The Nation's fame and power 

Is founded on obedience, and he 

Who disobeys, must be at heart a traitor. 

Not thee alone, O King ! hath Vashti wronged, 

But all the nobles, princes and people 

Throughout the provinces, for when abroad 

'Tis whispered that " King Ahasuerus 

Commanded Vashti the Queen, before him 

To appear, but she came not," all women 

Their husbands will despise, and tlTe ladies 

Of Media and Persia will likewise 

Do, as did the Queen, and to their husbands 

Show contempt. 

Therefore, if it please the King, 
Let a decree go forth, and be written 
Among the laws of Medes and Persians, — fixed. 
And unalterable, — that *' Queen Vashti 
Be dethroned, and to another, better 
Than she, be given her royal estate." 



40 Queen Esther. 

Throughout the empire let it be published, 
That wives may honor give to those whose right 
It is to claim it. 

KING. 

Most capital idea ! Thy words 
Do greatly please me, and it shall be done 
Instanter. This proud Queen shall be dethroned, 
Forfeited her estates, and to-morrow's 
Sun shall see her crownless, kingless, banished 
From the presence of her lord and master. 
Yea ; more ! forthwith, into every province 
Letters shall be sent, commanding every 
Man to rule his household, and from his wife 
Honor, and obedience to receive. 

PRINCE ADMATHA. 

Most just and righteous, are the decrees 
Of our imperial master ; but who 
Will take the place of Vashti ? The Sun 
Must have its Venus, and the King his Queen. 
If it please thee, most mighty Sovereign ! 
Throughout the provinces let officers 
Be appointed, whose duty it shall be 



Queen Esther. 41 

To gather unto Shusan, all virgins 

Fair and beautiful, and in the custody 

Of the King's chamberlain let them be given 

For purification. Let the King select 

Therefrom — The one most pleasing in his sight 

Shall then be Queen. 

KING. 

To me, Ahasuerus, 
Was bequeathed this mighty empire, by my 
Proud and noble ancestors. To preserve 
Its laws, its power and glory, ever 
Has been my strong desire, and though 
My word is law, always have I consulted 
The wishes of my people. Admatha's 
Words meet my approval. I could at will. 
Possess the wasting tenderness, the warm 
Embraces of a thousand contending 
Beauties ; but 'tis proper that a worthy 
Queen should be the sharer of my royal 
Throne, and as such my honored wife. At once. 
Officers will I appoint to gather 
From near and distant provinces^ virgins 



42 Qiieefi Esther. 

Both beautiful and fair, and she who pleases 
Best, shall be my (jueen. The feast is ended. 
Let us retire. 

[Exetint.) 



Scene Second— in a glen, mordecai alone. 

M O RD E C A I . [To himself. ) 

How lonely, and how desolate 
It seems, since Esther, my dear daughter, has 
Become a Queen. But a few months have passed, 
And yet it seems an age, — so miserable, 
And so wretched have I been. I cannot 
At home remain, for there no sparkling eyes, 
No pleasant, joyous laughter, no loving 
Kiss now greets me, but cold, dreary, cheerless 
It appears, throwing a dark shadow thwart 
My soul. In this quiet spot, secluded 
And alone, — by loiterers undisturbed, 
I love to sit, and think of by-gone days ; 
Of Esther, as the little maid, unstained 
By courtly honors. Soon will she give me 
Audience, as twice before she has done — ■ 



Queen Esther. 43 

Most secretly, for the King knows not as yet 
Her origin, or that she sprung from our 
Cursed, Jewish race. She promised secrecy, 
And I fear the anger of the King, should 
He that fact discover. 

What a strancre dream 
Was that she told me — which I laughed to scorn, 
And bade her to forget. — Dreamed she was lost. 
Seized by an eagle, carried to his nest. 
And 'mong the young eaglets brooded. All then 
Was changed — the eagle was the King, eaglets 
Were princes, the nest the palace Shushan, 
And she the Queen. All ! all ! has proved most true. 
Was it a vision of the future stamped 
Upon her soul ? did she not also dream 
Of blessings to our race, and I honored 
By the King ? But hark ! footsteps I hear ! 
And now I see approaching that villain 
Bigthan, who, dog-like, hangs about the court ; 
A chamberlain, keeper of the King's door, 
Who dared insult, — calling me a Jewish 
Beggar. I would not meet him here, lest one 
Should die, and on my hands I would not have 

D 



44 Que €71 Esther. 

His blood. Within this hollow tree I will 
Secrete myself, for with shrubbery its 
Entrance is covered. 

{Crowds into the hollow tree.) 
{Enters Bigthan.) 
BIGTHAN. ( To himself.) 

Teresh not here ! 'Tis past the hour 
Of meeting ; on his promptness he always 
Prides himself. How still this place, and quiet ; 
'Tis just the spot to lay our future plans. 
And hatch up mischief. But here, in hot haste 
He comes! like a blood-hound on its victim's 
Tracks. 

{Enter Teresh, miother of the King's chamberlains.) 
TERESH. 

You here before me ! It matters little 
Who came first, since we are here, away from 
All intruders. Look closely round, — be sure 
No lurking spies are near, then let us quick 
To business. 

BIGTHAN. 

My countenance is not villianous, 
Nor do I thirst without cause for blood, but 



Queen Esther. 45 

When our brutal King so foully Vashti 
Wronged, as her near kinsman I vowed revenge, 
And oft I've felt inclined, into his breast 
To plunge my dagger to its very hilt, 
But my arm was stayed, for something whispered, 
'' Wait a more convenient tinted Die he must ! 
Soon will his pranks be ended, and Vashti 
Be avenged. — Bigthan has sworn it, and his 
Oath he holds inviolate. 

TERESH. 

Our vows are mutual, 
And oft I've felt like breaking o'er discretion's 
Bounds, and in his very tracks slaying him, 
Though for it my body in rusty chains 
Might rot, or dangle by the hangman's rope, 
Ignominiously from the gibbet. 
Done secretly however, we are spared 
All pain and degradation. Suggest some 
Plan, by which safely, but effectively. 
We can accomplish that we both desire. 

BIGTHAN. 

If the dethroned Queen 
He had restored to all her former rights. 



4-6 Queen Esther. 

And privileges, most cheerfully would 
He have been forgiven. Esther he loves, 
And to this new-found Goddess, to our shame, 
Would sacrifice the glory of his throne, 
Yea ! the very life-blood of his loyal 
Subjects. Who she is, he knows not, neither 
Does he know her parentage, or lineage. 
From obscurity she sprung, and 'tis said 
She is a beggar's daughter, — whose pretty 
Face has thus bewitched the King. It will end 
In death, and that right speedily. You know 
The secret door opening into corridors. 
Dark and gloomy, leading to the narrow, 
■Tortuous stair-case, into subterranean 
Vaults. In the farthest vault there can be found 
A spring, just in the middle of the floor; 
Firmly 'tis held by screws, but when unscrewed, 
Wide open throws a trap-door, under which 
Can be heard the rushing, surging, seething 
Waters, flowing into the great cess-pool 
Of the palace, and bottomless in depth. 

Of this secret door 
I have the key, and at a stated hour, 



Quee7i Esther. 47 

Usually alone, the King passes it. 

Behind the great pillar, near this door, you 

Must be hid, with lasso all prepared. When 

He comes, in homage will I bow, with words 

" Your pardon, most mighty Sovereign," then quick 

As lightning you must throw — standing behind — 

The cord around his neck, thus stranq-lino; him. 

And speechless, noiseless, through the corridors, 

Down into the dark vaults, we'll drag him. 

And when upon his knees he begs, and prays 

For mercy, gently we'll slide his sacred 

Majesty through this trap-door, down into 

These fathomless waters, and like a dog 

Will drown him. 

TERESH. 

Your scheme is well concocted, 
And to the very letter it shall be 
Carried out. Experts we are, in business 
Such as this, and in this little play, — 
Let it be comedy or tragedy. 
Will act our parts most perfectly. When shall 
The deed be done? 



48 Queen Esther. 

BIGTHAN. 

One week we give him yet to live. 
Within that time, you must prepare the noose, 
Made from the strongest cord, and 'twould be well 
To practice throwing it. The vaults I'll visit, 
And will have lights prepared, ready for use. 
When seized, he must be strangled instantly, — 
No groan, or cry escape him. When within 
The secret door, not Heaven, nor Hell can 
Save him. 

TERESH. 

'Tis all arranged, — 
Let us depart, we may be missed from court. 

BIGTHAN. 

Agreed — Out of this place 



We must be silent as the grave. 



[Exeunt.) 



MORDECAI. [Coming otit of the tree.) 

Consummate villains ! 
What horrors would they perpetrate upon 
The King! Oh! how my blood ran cold, to hear 
Them lay their devilish plans, their fiendish schemes. 



Queen EstJier. 49 

Monsters they are in human form ! In spirit, 
They are devils ! This moment I will go, 
Claim audience of Esther, and to her 
Disclose their schemes and purposes. The King 
Shall yet be saved by me — the poor Jewish 
Captive. 

( Exit Mordecai. ) 



Scene Third— queen Esther's apartment in the palace. 
QUEEN ESTHER. {To herself .) 

Why are my spirits so depressed 
To-day, surrounded as I am with proofs 
Of tender love, and warmest sympathy % 
Affectionate and kind, the King has ever 
Been, — watching my footsteps with parental 
Care, while across my pathway he throws his 
Golden sunlight. Was my father with me, 
Most happy should I be, — the throne would shine 
More richly, and brighter sparkle the gems 
Within my coronet. Thrice only have we met 
Since I became a Queen. It seems an age 
Since I last saw him, — but for a moment, 



50 Queen Esther. 

As spies, he said, were watching him, and 'twas 

Dangerous for both. Could I tell the King 

The story of my life, it might be well ; 

But this I cannot do, as faithfully 

Have I promised secrecy. Come, cheer up ! 

Soon will I see him, and perhaps he will 

Consent to what I may propose. 

{Enter Ophelia, maid to Esther.) 
OPHELIA. 

There is, my royal Mistress, 
In the ante-room, the man with whitened 
Locks, named Mordecai, who thrice before has 
Been admitted. He demands an audience 
With the Queen. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

He is an old friend, — 
For years we have been acquainted. Show him 
All due respect whenever he shall call. 
Invite him in. 

[Exit Ophelia.) 
MORDECAI. [Entering, and embracing her.) 

Thank heaven ! again we meet ; 
What mean these tears ? 



Queen Esther. 51 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Tears flow from joy. 
As well as sorrow. I am so happy 
When I see you, that I must weep. But come, 
Sit down, for weary you appear. Is it 
Well with thee ? 

MORDECAI. 

Well as usual, 
But have come on business, — most imperative, 
And time must not be wasted. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

You frighten me ! 
Your words forebode some evil. 

MORDECAI. 

How in the human breast do passions rage, 
When once let loose, and from their proper bounds 
Are free. How madly do they onward rush. 
Swift as the fierce tornado, up-rooting 
All those noble gifts, which God has planted 
In the soul. Dark, proud, suspicious, brooding 
O'er their hate, and by the basest passions 
Led, two chamberlains of the King, — on duty 



52 Queen Esther. 

In the palace, have sworn to take his life, 

And schemes most villainous have they laid, to take 

Him unawares, and to a bottomless 

Pit consign him. 

QUEEN. 

What ! Murder the King ! 
It cannot, cannot be ! — still, you would not 
Deceive me thus? 

MORDECAI. 

Sooner would I take my life, 
Than cause a needless pang, or crush your heart, 
Pure and sensitive as it is, by words 
Too horrible to relate. — // is true. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

As mist of morning shadows earth. 
So has my mind, by a dark' cloud, all day 
Been over-cast. It was inexplicable — 
Something I could not understand ; therefore 
I charged it to thine absence, and the want 
Of thy dear companionship, which I have 
Thought of, dreamed of, and anxiously desired. 



Queen Esther. 53 

But hasten ! tell me of the plot, and who 

These blood-hounds are, who thirst for royal blood. 

MORDECAI. 

When Vashti was dethroned, 
To many it gave offence, 'mong whom were 
The two chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, 
Her kinsmen, and keepers of the palace 
Doors. This morning, as of late has been my 
Custom. I visited a quiet spot, — 
A glen, which lieth towards the east, to think 
Of thee, my Esther, for thou art ever 
Present in my mind. While there, Bigthan 
I saw approaching — the man whose insults 
I have borne — and, wishing to avoid him, 
Betook myself into a great hollow 
Tree, there standing. Soon Teresh came — his name 
Was spoken, and I knew his voice — and then 
They swore revenge, and laid their murderous plans 
To waylay, and destroy the King. I heard 
Them all, for near the tree they stood, wherein 
Concealed and undiscovered I remained. 

One week they spare the King, — 
Then all prepared, when he shall come alone. 



54 Queen Esther. 

Passing the secret door, leading to vaults 
Beneath the palace, Bigthan is to bow, 
And say, " Your pardon, most mighty Sovereign," 
Thus gaining the attention of the King, 
While Teresh, secreted by the great pillar 
Standing near the door, as quick as lightning. 
From behind darts out, and throws a rope-noose 
Round the King's neck, thus strangling him, — then 

through 
The secret door, and corridors, they are 
To drag him down to the lowest, farthest 
Vault, and headlong cast him into waters, 
Deep, and bottomless. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Oh, horrible ! 
The thought is sickening! How shall we act 
To save the King, and give these human fiends 
Their just deserts? 

MORDECAI. 

You must obtain at once, 
An audience with the King: then tell him 
All. At a moment's notice, I shall be 
Ready to appear, and verify my 



Queen Esther. 55 

Charges. But Esther, I forget I am 
A Jew, and that my word may not avail 
Against the oaths of villains, standing high 
In office. Tell him some strategy to use, — 
Some secret method, whereby my words may 
Be confirmed. Doubtless there is a secret 
Passage to the vaults, from inner chamber, — 
Through this the King might pass some chosen 

guards. 
And in the darkened corridors conceal 
Them. Let him have prepared, collar of steel 
To wear abo.ut his neck, and guards near by 
Secreted, to watch, and guard his person 
When they spring upon him. Great secrecy 
Should be used, lest they his plans discover. 
And adopt some other scheme, — failing 
In this. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Your counsels are most wise. 
And with the King, my influence I'll exert 
For their adoption. Now, fare thee well, my 
Best of fathers ! — but accept this little 
Token of your Esther's love. 

( Offering- a purse. ) 



56 Queen Esther. 

MORDECAI. 

No! No! — I need not gold, but seek alone 
My Esther's happiness. One kiss I'll take, 
And then depart. May Heaven guard thee, child ! 
And on thee, shower her richest blessings. 

[Exeunt.) 



ACT III. 

Scene First— haman in the outward court of the palace. 

HAM AN. [To himself.) 

Am I not Haman ! 
Respected by the King, and standing high 
Above all other princes of the reahii ? 
Am I not petted, toadied by the court, 
While servants bow, and do me reverence — 
As if to royalty? My rank is now 
Exalted, and next to the King I stand 
The idol of the people. With wishes 
Gratified, most proudly could I exult. 
Were I not scorned, despised by Mordecai, 
Who, sitting in the King's gate, throws on me 
A most contemptuous smile, and will not 
Bow, and do me homage. Not he alone, 
But the whole Jewish race, now imitate 
His clownish manners, which tend to blast my 
Honor, and traduce my fame. Mordecai 



58 Queen Esther. 

Shall die ! — and with him, all the Jews throughout 
The provinces shall be destroyed ; none shall 
Be spared — not even the women, nor young 
And helpless children. I will see the King 
At once ; will before him lay this vital 
Matter, and press it to an issue. Here 
Comes the King's chamberlain. 

CHAMBERLAIN. 

His Majesty, the King, 
Bids you come in. 

HAMAN. 
{Enferlng the inner apartment, bo7Vs, and salutes the Ki7ig.) 

Health, and long life, 
Most gracious Sovereign. 

KING. 

What is the wish 
Of my most faithful servant ? 

HAMAN. 

In all the provinces of the kingdom. 
Imperial Master! — scattered among 
The people, are a race of Jews, head-strong, 
Envious, and bigoted, who glory 



Qjieen Esther. 59 

In their shame, violating enactments 

Thou hast made, trampling on laws, and boldly 

Thy mandates disobeying. Their manners, 

Customs, laws, diverse from ours, will ever 

Urge them in the forbidden ways, which lead 

To rank disloyalty. We have done all 

That could be done, this evil to correct. 

But 'tis in vain ! Our words are treated 

With disdain, and hurled into our faces 

Back, with cold, contemptuous scorn. Actions 

Like these will tell on others. Flame, beg-ets 

Flame, so disloyalty begets her kind. 

If it please thee, O King ! let a decree 

Go forth for their destruction. — Accomplish 

This, then in the King's treasury I will 

Pay of silver, one thousand talents. 

KING. 

The silver 
To thee is given, the people also, — 
Do with them, as in thy sight seemeth good. 
Let the scribes be called, and writings at once 
Prepared, even as thou shall dictate. Let 
Them to governors and rulers be sent 



6o Queen Esther. 

Throughout the provinces, and in all tongues 

And languages published — '' That on the thirteenth 

Day, of the twelfth month, all Jews of every 

Age and sex, women and little children. 

Old and young, shall be destroyed." Take this ring, 

And with it, seal the writings. — The King has 

Thus decreed, in his palace Shushan, 

(Gives the ring.) 
" HAMAN. 

It shall be done O King! their doom is sealed,— 
They die! This most presumptuous race, shall know 
There is a power supreme, that will enforce 
Obedience to thy will. — I hasten 
To do thy bidding. 

(Exeunt.) 



Scene Second. — the queen's apartment. 

Queen Esther — Ophelia and Bashmah her maids. 
OPHELIA. 

Pardon, my Royal Mistress! 
I permission crave, to speak of one whom 



Queen Esther. 6i 

You respect, and whom you bade me honor 
As your friend. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

You have permission. 
Speak freely, for of my friends, I always 
Love to hear. 

OPHELIA. 

Tis of him called Mordecai ; 
For passing through the palace a moment 
Since, before the King's gate I saw him clothed 
In sackcloth, and with ashes covered. Loud, 
And bitter was the cry by him sent forth, 
As of some dire calamity. I know 
Not what it means, but surely some great grief 
Must be upon him. 

BASHMAH. 

Your Majesty will give me leave to say 
I also saw him, and others there were, 
Weeping and wailing, and like him were clothed 
\\\ sackcloth. 



62 Queen Esther. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Mordecai, in sackcloth clothed ! 
God forbid, that on him any evil 
Should have fallen ! Hasten at once Ophelia ; 
Call my attendant Hatach, — bid him come 
Instantly to the Queen's presence. 

(Exit Ophelia.) 

What can have happened ? this doubt and painful 
Fear, pierces my very soul, and makes me 
Sick at heart. Oh ! how it throbs ! and the blood 
Seems rushing to my brain. 

BASHMAH. 

Fear not my Royal Mistress! — it may be 
For some friend lost, or for some other thing 
Which little concerns your majesty ; 
But here comes Hatach. 

(Hatach entering and bowing.) 
HATACH. 

The royal summons I obey. 
Pray tell me your commands. 



Queen Esther. 6"^ 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Mordecai you know ? he, who sitteth 
AhTiost daily, in the King's gate. Before 
The gate you' 11 find him now, in sackcloth clothed, — 
Hasten at once, and to him say you have 
A message from the Queen; that she desires 
The sackcloth taken from him, and other 
Raiment has she sent in place thereof. Treat 
Him most gently, and no language use, harsh, 
Or impertinent. Yea, more ! say to him, 
'' The Queen desires to know the cause thereof. 
And why he weeps and wails, and putteth on 
This badge of mourning.'' Disclose to no one 
But myself the message he may send me. 
Now hasten quickly ! and I will count 
The moments of your absence. 

HATACH. 

Adieu ! my gracious Queen, — 
Nothing thou desirest, shall be left 
Undone. 

(ExitHatach.) 



64 Queen Esther. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

You can retire Ophelia, — 
You also Bashmah to the ante-room, 
As I would be alone. Show Hatach in, 
Soon as he returns. Have no delay. 

(Exeunt Ophelia and Bashmah.) 
QUEEN ESTHER. (To herself.) 

Most mysterious 
Are the ways of Providence ! — Yesterday, 
It was all sun-light, o'er my path; to-day, 
The storm-clouds gather, and darkness covers' 
Me. Some evil, like a thunder-bolt, has 
Fallen on my dear, kind father. What can 
It be? — Some matter serious, I fear; not for 
A trivial cause would he act thus. Music 
Is discord, and the blazing sun is dark 
When heart is clouded. None but a daughter's 
Heart can know a daughter's sorrows, when a loved 
Father suffers. The time I trust will come, 
When I can have him with me, to comfort. 
And to strengthen him. For this I daily 
Pray, and something whispers that my prayer will 



Queen Esther. 65 

Yet be answered. God grant it may be so. 

Soon shall I know all ; my faithful Hatach 

Has a tender heart, and my father knows 

Full well how I esteem him. I must dry 

These tears Avhich have so freely flowed, must cleanse 

My eyes, so red from weeping, for Ilatach 

Soon will come, — to hear the worst, must be 

Prepared. 

OPHELIA. (Entering.) 

My Honored Mistress, — Hatach has arrived. 
Shall I admit him ? 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Yes; bid him come in. 

HATACH. {Entering- and boiving.) 

My Sovereign Mistress ! Mordecai I found 
In sackcloth, and to him your message was 
Delivered. He told me all, how the King- 
By Haman influenced, had decreed the death 
Of all the Jews throughout the provinces, 
Sparing neither old nor young, women nor 
Little children. 'Tis on the thirteenth day, 



66 Queen Esther. 

Of the twelfth month, that this evil will be 
Consummated. This writing, he bade me 
Give you, — 'tis a copy of the decree, 
Made by the King, in his palace Shushan. 

(Gives her the decree.) 
QUEEN ESTHER. 

Destroy the Jews, 
Sparing neither old nor young ! — Horrible ! 
What can it mean ? It is the King's decree, 
And bears his seal, but why such madness ? 

HATACH. 

Haman was wroth and envious, because 
Mordecai bowed not, nor did him homage 
As do others. Against the Jews, the King's 
Ear he poisoned, making them appear an 
Envious, bigoted, disloyal race. 
Who the laws violated, and at naught 
Set the King's commands. Strongly, he urged their 
Death, and silver offered — one thousand talents 
Into the King's treasury to be paid. 
When 'twas accomplished. 



Queen Esther. 67 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Most infamous Hainan ! 
Pride, envy, malice, and revengeful hate 
Against our Jewish race, doth fill his heart, 
Which, in the blood of Innocents he would 
Satiate. His chosen people, God has. 
And will preserve, spite of the ambitious 
Pride of him, who has disgraced the laurels 
By the King conferred. He is a traitor ! 
And deserves a traitor's fate. — But this dire 
Calamity ; how shall it be avoided ? 

HATACH. 

Mordecai advised. 
That you at once should go in unto the King, 
And supplication make in their behalf. 
Your prayers, and warm entreaties, might yet 
Avert the doom, now hanging o'er them. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

To do this seems impossible. 
For thirty days last past, into the presence 
Of the King, have I not been called, and all 



68 Queen Esther. 

The people know, that whosoever shall 
Come unto the King, within the inner 
Court uncalled, either man, or woman, shall 
Be put to death. Such is the law, and none 
x\re spared, excepting such, to whom the King 
Extends the golden sceptre. 

HATACH. 

Such is the law 
or Media and Persia. To Mordecai 
I stated it, who fully understands 
Its meaning, and its penalties. But yet 
He sent this message. " Go tell the Queen " said 
He, '' that if this evil comes upon the Jews, 
She must not think in the King's palace 
To escape. If she holds her peace, safety 
And deliverance to the Jews, surely 
Shall from another quarter come, but she, 
And all her father's house, shall be destroyed." 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Did he say this? then will I go, let come 
What may. Hasten now, and to Mordecai 



Queen Esther. 69 

Bear this message. " Go gather all the Jews 
In Shushan now residing, and with them 
Fast ye for me, and for three days, neither 
Eat nor drink. — I, with my maidens, hkewise 
Will fast, and then contrary to the law 
Will I go in unto the King ; and if 
I perish, — I perish." 

HATACH. 

Most faithfully, 
Thy message shall be delivered. 

{Exit Hatach.) 
QUEEN ESTHER. {To herself.) 

I wake, as from some frightful dream ! 
Vashti, for disobedience was dethroned, 
And for the same, I may be executed. 
O shame ! O infamy! this cursed envenom'd 
Malice, this proud insolence of Haman, 
Doth scald my eyes with tears, and in my soul, 
Opens new veins of torture.— But courage 
Take ! There is a po\ver unseen, that rules 
The destinies of nations, that will plunge 
From gulf to gulf,— from shame to deeper shame, 



JO Queen Esther. 

This incarnate fiend, who would our Jewish 
Race destroy. 'Tis the same power that closed 
The lion's mouth, and kept from harm our prophet 
Daniel, when in their frightful den, headlong 
He was thrown. — Prayer, I will offer. 

(She kneels and prays.) 

" O Thou ! great King of Kings, and Lord of Lords ! 
Omnipotent and Omnipresent ! Thou 
Dost ever hear the feeblest whisperings 
Of those, who put their trust in Thee. Before 
Thee bows Thine hand-maid, who, into Thine heart 
Of love, would pour her griefs and sorrows. Her 
Feeble mind, strengthen and support, and with 
A will, fixed and determined, let her Thy 
Purposes perform. When before the King 
Uncalled she goes, into her mouth put fit 
And proper words, that she may plainly, boldly 
Speak as doth become his Queen. Let her not 
Utterance give to thoughts which may displease. 
Or to him, seem presumptuous, or improper. 
Soften the King's heart, and toward Thine hand- 
maid, 



Queen Esther, yi 

Make it tender, that in his sight, she may 
Find favor. Above all things, O Thou, great 
Jehovah ! preserve thy chosen people, 
And to the King, disclose the vile designs 
Of proud Haman's heart, and the great evil 
Impending o'er our race. In Thee, we trust. 
And to Thy care, commit ourselves.^ — Amen." 



Scene Third. — inner court of king's palace. 

The Ki7ig upon his throne, and Esther waiting opposite him in the court. She 
is seen by the King; who extends to her his golden sceptre, thns inviting 
her to approach him — She obeys and advances. 

QUEEN ESTHER. [To herself .) 

Thank Heaven ! — 
With pleased, approving smile, the King doth look 
Upon me, and now his golden sceptre 
He extends, thus bidding me in safety 
To approach. I will at once advance. 

(She approaches the King, and touches the sceptre.) 
KING. 

As the dove flies to her nest, 
So comes my Queenly Esther to her liege 



72 Queen Esther. 

Lord, who, a most hearty welcome gives her. 
Though absent, most frequently have I thought 
Of thee, and but a moment since, when free 
From the engrossing cares which try and vex 
The soul, my restless mind went wandering back 
To that bright-eyed Goddess, who has ever 
Warmed, and cheered my heart, even, when with 

clouds, 
And darkness 'twas o'ershadowed. To what kind 
Fortune do I owe this visit? — Esther 
Could not think I had forgotten, or had 
Desej-ted her, for oftimes have I said, 
"The King must not encroach too often on 
Her privacy." 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Most fully does the Queen appreciate, 
The kind regards, and noble sentiments 
Of the King. Accept, most mighty Sovereign ! 
Your Esther's thanks, for the tender treatment, 
The warm love, you have ever manifested, — 
For the many blessings strewn so thickly 
Along her pathway, making her life- days. 



Queen Esther. 73 

So joyous, and so happy. To preserve 
Thy throne, thy hfe, thy happiness, freely 
Would I sacrifice my own. 

KING. 

What ! is there some secret 
Plot against my Kingdom, or my life ? Once, 
I remember, thou didst such plot reveal. 
When Bigthan with Teresh foully conspired 
To seize, and strangle ; then, to the vaults consign 
Me. Caught in the act by timely warning. 
They from the gibbet swung. — Thou, Esther didst 
Save my life. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Another saved it ! — even Mordecai, 
The Jew. But enough of this ; no foul plot 
Against the King exists, for he is blessed 
Beyond the reach of fear. The Queen has come, 
Simply to crave a favor from the King. 

KING. 

What is thy wish Queen Esther? 
What wilt thou have? speak; for it shall be given, 
Even to the half of my Kingdom. 



74 Queen Esther. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

If in thy sight, O King ! 
Favor I have found, — if it shall please thee. 
To listen to my prayer, and my request 
Perform, then come to-morrow, and with you 
Bring Haman to the banquet, which I shall 
Have prepared, and then, and there, all the King 
Desires will I do, and to thee, present 
My humble petition. 

KING. 

'Twill give us both great pleasure. 
To meet you at the banquet. — Most gladly 
I accept, and will be there with Haman. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

The King is very kind ; — 
With a light heart I leave his presence, with 
Certaintv of meeting him to-morrow. 
Adieu, most gracious Sovereign ! — Heaven bless you ! 

KING. 

Heaven bless my lovely Queen, 
And may kind Angels guard, protect her. — 
Adieu ! 

(Exit Esther.) 



Queen Esther. 75 

(To himself.) 

How charmingly she looked ! — what a sweet smile 
Lit up her features when gazing on me. 
As if to read my very soul. Innocent, 
And thoughtful she has ever been ; faultless, 
And free from guile. What is it she desires ? 
Something of moment, else within this court 
She would not have appeared. It matters not ;— 
Nothing I could refuse her. A message 
I will send at once to Haman, bidding 
Him to meet me at the banquet, for she 
Desires his presence. Perhaps for him, 
She'll ask some higher honor. 



Scene Fourth. — haman's residence- 

Haman, Zeresh his Wife and Friends. 
HAMAN. 

With fortune, and with honor. 
Have I been crowned. Next to the King I stand, 
And with him share all regal honors. From 
This high pinnacle of fame, on Princes, 



^6 Queen Esther, 

And on petty Kings, can I look down, and bid 
Them come, and go, like abject slaves. The King 
Himself, my will performs; he daily comes, 
Consults me, takes my advice, and ever 
Does as I propose. In vain do malice. 
Envy, hate, attempt to tear the laurels 
From Haman's brow ;— above their blasting 
Reach, they will securely thrive and flourish. 
The King has ever been my warmest friend, 
And now the Queen seeks my companionship. 
From her a message I received, asking 
My presence at her banquet. To-morrow 
The King, and I alone attend.— Perhaps 
Some favor she would grant, or love itself 
May burn within her bosom, — if so, 
I will possess it. 

One thought however, 
Like a dagger pierces my heart, and drives 
Me to despair. Of what avail are wealth, 
And honors, so long as Mordecai the Jew 
Sitteth in the King's gate ?— with scorn, and cold 
Contempt, doth frown upon me as I pass. 
And will not bow, or do me reverence. 



Queen Esther. 'jy 

But to-day, this base, ungrateful, haughty 
Wretch, lost to all sense of shame and common 
Decency, did spit his vemon at me 
As I passed ; — like a huge reptile, did he 
Glare upon me. He would not move, or stir, 
But on me showered his insults, silent, but 
Most contemptible, and by all noticed. 

ZERESH. 

This insolent, audacious man, 
Perverse and obstinate, whose pride is past 
Endurance, should be taught, what others now 
Have learned — good manners to their superiors. 
Why not seize the wretch, and flay him publicly, 
'Till on bended knees, he sues for mercy? 

HAMAN. 

Half inclined was 1 to do it. 
But something stayed me — street brawls I like not, 
But to myself I swore revenge. — My time 
Will come. 

A FRIEND. 

The time has come ! 
Delays are dangerous ; this vile Jewish 



78 Queen Esther. 

Dog, should at once be taught to know his master, 
For give him but a chance, and he will add 
New insults to his hate. 

SECOND FRIEND. 

I would advise 
That he be strangled ; hung! Let it be done 
Publicly, — 'twill have on others, a good 
Effect. 

ZERESH. 

The thought is timely ; in a public spot 
Let gallows be erected : let it be 
In height some fifty cubits, and thereon 
Let Mordecai be hung. Speak to the King 
Concerniiig it, and then unto the banquet. 
Thou shalt go most merrily. 

HAMAN. 

Great satisfaction w^ould it give, 
And well does he deserve it. Orders will 
I give, and this very day, the gallows 
Fifty cubits high, shall be erected, — 
Not in a public place, but in the court 



Queen Esther. 79 

Of mine own house, and as the King liveth, 
Mordecai shall hang thereon. To morrow, 
Early in the day, the Sovereign I will 
See, and his consent obtain ; then, without 
Delay shall he be executed. 

ZERESH. 

My lord most wisely speaks ; 
Let him proceed— the work complete. 

FRIEND. 

Of the plan proposed. 
Most fully we approve. This gross insult 
To our lord, in blood must be wiped out. 

HAMAN. 

More freely can I breathe, when he is dead. 

I know not how it is, but his destiny 

Seems linked with mine, and while living, I fear 

And hate him— when dead, my vengence will be 

Satisfied, and my joy and peace restored. 

But haste me !— let us lose no time, for we 

Must be prepared. 

[Exeimt.) 



ACT IV. 

Scene First— palace shushan- 

Private apartment of the King. 
KING. {To himself.) 

Something is wrong! — 
A sleepless night I've passed, tossing upon 
My bed like a frightened infant. What means 
This mystery, — this most strange behavior 
Of my senses, this mist that hangs about 
My soul? What means this power invisible; 
This mysterious influence that thrills 
My heart, and makes me shudder? Oh ! how I've 
Tossed and moaned in troubled sleep like a sick 
Child ! how slowly the hours have crept along; 
The night has seemed an age of misery. 
I feel, I must confess a sense of shame, 
And blush at my own weakness, so unlike 
My usual nature. Restless, timorous. 
Nervous, with no apparent cause, I saw 



Queen Esther. 8i 

Those airy shadows, spectral visions, which 
'' Like bubbles, big with emptiness alone, 
Burst and vanished into nothingness." Like 
Melting smoke that mingles with the sky, before 
Me they flitted for a moment, — then quickly 
Disappeared. One short dream I had, and on 
My mind it seems distinctly stamped. Methought 
A maiden kneeled before me ; beautiful 
She was, her shoulders covered o'er with her 
Disheveled tresses, and her large, lustrous 
Eyes suffused with tears. Li piteous tones 
She pleaded for her father's life, — a grey- 
Haired man, who kneeled beside her — told of his 
Wrongs and sufferings, and how by malice 
And revenge, to death he had been condemned. 
Most earnestly she pleaded— urged that he, 
In time gone by, had saved my life and crown, 
When against them traitors had conspired. 

She looked like Esther, 
So fair and beautiful — her large, black eyes 
Expressing her very thoughts. I was about 
To speak, and ask them who they were, but then 
Awoke, and all had vanished. Again, 



82 Queen EsiJier. 

I dropped asleep, and frightful visions saw 
Of scaffolds, with all their gloomy trappings, 
And above them all, went towering one huge 
Gallows, beneath which, stood the grey-haired man. 
With rope about his neck, for execution. 
To save him, I started up ! but awoke 
To find myself alone, and the cold drops 
Of perspiration, covering my forehead. 

'Tis morning now, 
And the bright sun has risen, dispelling 
Shadows and night-mists from the earth, but not 
The dream -clouds from my mind. May be 
Some great injustice has been done. Laid up 
In archives, are records of chronicles 
Made by my scribes; they shall be brought before 
Me, and thoroughly examined. Perhaps 
They will reveal the cause of my distress. 
Ho ! my attendants. 

[Enter Mehumen the chamberlain y boiving.) 
KING. 

Go, call my scribe, and with him bring 
The book of Records. — Make no delay. 



Queen Esther. S3 

MEHUMEN. 

It shall be done, O King! 
As thou commandest. 

(Exit Mehumen.) 
KING. [To himself.) 

Ever, my thoughts revert to Esther; 
'Tis to-day we banquet with her— my heart 
Should not be clouded, nor my mind perplexed. 
If in the Records, no strange thing is found, 
Then, at once I'll drive these fearful night-thoughts 
From my mind— with smiling face and joyous 
Heart, her banquet will attend— to her soul, 
I will not bring disquietude. 

{Enter Mehumen and scribe with book of Records ^, 
KING. {To the scribe.) 

Look o'er the Records, and see 
If can be found, a person, who has done 
Great service to the King, respecting whom, 
Some special mention, recently has been 
Made. 



84 Queen Esther. 

SCRIBE. {Examining the Records. ) 

We find here written, most gracious Sovereign ! 
As follows : "In the sixth year, of the reign 
Of Ahasuerus, whose proud Empire 
Extendeth from India even unto 
Ethiopia, two chamberlains, servants 
Of the King, by name Bigthan and Teresh, 
Wilfully and maliciously conspired 
Against the Crown, Kingdom, and the King's life, 
And sought secretly, to seize and strangle 
Our mighty Sovereign, and to the lowest 
Vault consign him. Let it be remembered, 
That to one Mordecai, the Jew, the thing 
Became known, wdio, to the Queen the vile plot 
Disclosed, and she, to the King revealed it. 
By a strategem proposed by Mordecai, 
These villains in the very act were seized. 
Condemned, and on the gibbet executed. 
To Mordecai, the Jew, bclongeth honor." 

KING. 

For these most loyal acts, 
What honor, or what dignity has been 
Conferred on Mordecai ? 



Queen Esther. 85 



MEHUMEN 

None whatever! — He still is sitting 
In the King's Gate. 

SCRIBE. 

No mention here is made 
Of anything, by which he was rewarded. 

KING. 

Go at once Mehumen ; — see whom you find 
Standing in the outward court. 

MEHUMEN. 

Haman alone is there, waiting 
For an audience with the King. 

KING. 

Bid him come in. 

(Exit Meh nmen . ) 

{Enter Hamait who had cotne to speak unto the King to hang Mordecai on 
the galloios prepared.) 

KING. {To Haman.) 

There is one, who unto us great service 
Hath performed, and on him, we would bestow 



86 Queen Esther. 

Most royal favors. What shall now be done 
To him, whom the King delighteth to honor? 

HAM AN. ( Thinking the King referred to himself. ) 

I would not most mighty Sovereign ! 
Appear presumptuous ; but the man on whom 
Thou wouldst bestow Imperial honors, 
And in whose dignities thou dost delight 
Thyself, should be clothed, as might well become 
The King's favorite. Let be brought royal 
Apparel, thou hast worn ; the Niscan horse 
Brought from Armenia, — the favorite steed, 
Which the King rideth, — and the Crown Royal. 
Into the hands of noble Princes, let 
Them be delivered, to array the man 
Thus honored by the King, and through the streets 
or the city, let him be borne on horseback. 
With Princes in attendance, who before 
Him shall proclaim — " thus, shall be done to him, 
Whom the King delighteth to honor." 

KING. 

Well spoken Haman ! — make thee haste ; 
Take the apparel, crown, and horse, as thou 



Queen Esther. 87 

Hast said, so do to Mordecai, the Jew, 

Who, at the King's gate, you will find sitting;— 

Of all thou hast spoken, let nothing fail; 

The King would honor him above all others. 

In person, do thou attend him, and make 

The proclamation. 

HAMAN. 

Thy Sovereign will must be obeyed, — 
I go, and do thy bidding. 

{Exit Haman.) 



Scene Second— queen Esther's private apartments. 

The King— Esther the Queen, and Haman at the banquet. 

KING. 

*Tis pleasant thus to throw off cares,— 
Vexatious cares, the wormwood and the gall, 
Which so embitter life. Like opiates 
In a fever, these social gatherings 
Quiet the nerves, and cool the heated 
Brain, inducing rest, and quietude 
Of mind. 



88 Queen Esther. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Indeed ! great joy it gives, 
To know, that I have added to the King's 
Happiness. Ever would 1 fill his heart 
With pleasant, happy thoughts, as sky is filled 
With sunbeams, and earth with shining rivulets. 

KING. 

But Esther, of thine own happiness, 
Have you no thought? 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Of myself, I have but little thought 
Except to serve my God, and please my King. 
Let them but smile upon me, I am as 
Happy as the joyous bird, which warbles 
Its notes of praise, when the bright sun sends forth 
Its laughing beams, at early dawn. 

KING. 

Of thy petition 
I would know, and thy request. Didst thou not 
Promise, at the banquet to present them ? 



Queen Esther. 89 

I am now, as then, prepared to grant them. 
Even to the half of my Kingdom. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

If in thy sight, O King ! 
Thine Esther hath favor found ; if it shall 
Please thee, to grant her prayer, know thou, O King! 
I am a Jezvess ! — one of the daughters 
Of that noble, but persecuted race, 
Who though despised, and trodden under foot, 
Are still most loyal subjects. We are sold ! — 
Myself, and people — not as bond-women. 
And bond-men, for then in silence would have 
Suffered, and no complaint have made, but we 
Are doomed to death — to be destroyed and slain, 
Guiltless and crimeless. Spare my life, and lives 
Of all my people ! — this, O King ! is my 
Petition. 

KING. 

Thy words are riddles ! 
What secret plot would you unravel? Lives 
There a wretch so base, as would desire 
Thy death, or even dream of thy destruction ? 



90 Queen Esther. 

Who, and where is he, who in his inmost 
Heart, hath cherished such a thought ? 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Now seated with us at the banquet, 
Is the vile plotter of this scheme for our 
Destruction. Look thou, O King ! on Haman, 
Sitting like senseless marble, — See his face 
O'erspread with ashy paleness ; the painful 
Terror in his eye ; his tongue suspended ; 
His trembling form, and guilt so strongly stamped 
On every feature of his countenance. 
He is the man ! — the enemy, who plots 
This evil 'gainst the Queen, and all her race. 

KING. 

'Tis true ! the perjured slave ! the traitorous 
Villain, in every form and manner shows 
His guilt. Excuse me for a moment: into 
The garden I must retire, my heated 
Brain to cool, and thoughts collect. He shall have 
His just deserts. 

(Exit King.) 



Que en Esther. 91 

HAMAN. 

(Rising up, and falling on his knees before the Queen, who was 
seated on a couch.) 

Here at thy feet, pardon I crave 
Most Honored Mistress! — O spurn me not! 
Have pity on a wretch, who now with shame, 
Doth make confession of his sins, and begs 
Thy kind forgiveness. Oh ! let these scalding 
Tears so freely flowing, wash out my crimes, 
And evil purposes, and ever will 
I be, your abject slave. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Touch me not! thou prince of villians! — 
By thy vile breath, I would not be foully 
Contaminated. 

HAMAN. 

Oh ! spare my life ! speak to the King, 
For there was evil in his eye, and death 
Will be my doom, unless thou dost secure 
My pardon. Do but this, and at thy feet, 
Worm-like Til ever crawl. — Make me thy slave. 

(He falls upon the couch by her side just as the King enters.) 
G 



92 Queen Esther. 

KING. 

What do I see ! — Before me, 
In the palace, would he force the Queen? — 
Ho ! my attendants. 

{Enter Harbonah and other chamberlains.) 

Let him be covered, for to death he is 
Condemned. 

( They cover Haman s face. ) 
HARBONAH. 

Most mighty Sovereign I In Haman's house 
There stands a gallows, in height some fifty 
Cubits. 'Twas made by Haman, and thereon 
He would have hung Mordecai, had the King 
Consented. 'Tis all prepared, with scaffold, 
And with trappings, and at a moment's notice 
Can be used. 

KING. 

Then seize the villain ! bear him hence, and like 
A dog hang him thereon! Upon his head 
Let fall, the mischief by him conceived. 



Queen Esther. 93 



HARBONAH. 



It shall be done, O King ! — 
Quickly, as thou commandest. 

( They seize Haman and bear him out to execution.) 



Scene Third — the queen's apartment in the palace. 

Queen Esther and Mordecai. 
QUEEN ESTHER. 

Welcome! thrice welcome to my heart and home, 
My dear, good father! Let me embrace thee, 
Kiss thee, as I was wont to do, when coming 
From your daily toil, I ran to meet you 
With a kiss of love — in your loving 
Arms so tenderly was held, while calling 
Me your " darling little pet!' How all has 
Changed, since in that humble, quiet home, we 
Lived together! all but our hearts — they will 
Always burn with love and pure affection, 
Will they not ? 



94 Queen Esther. 

MORDECAI. 

As a little maid, thou wast my pride 
And joy ; and now the crown of womanhood, 
Which shines untarnished. With fond affection 
Thy welcome I return, and the parental 
Kiss, most willingly I give my Esther. 
Yes ! we have somewhat changed ; — you, from the 

young, 
Romping girl, who played among the flowers, 
And chased the butterflies, to the majestic 
Queen, and I, the despised and persecuted 
Jew, have now become the King's favorite, 
Wearing the royal robes, and classed 
Among his Nobles. Let me but go forth, 
On every side fawning, bowing, cringing. 
Are the fops and sycophants of court, who, like 
Dastard Knaves, would honor me as Master. 
I like them not, but scorn, despise them now. 
As they once did me. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

When last you saw the King, 
What did he say? 



Queen Esther. 95 

MORDECAI. 
I saw him but a moment since ; 
Said he, — "go in, and see the Queen, your daughter." 

I was about to speak, but he continued — 

" She has told me all, — go in, and I will 

Meet you there." His words were most ambiguous. 

But kindly spoken. But tell me Esther, 

Have you made known our near relationship. 

Or elsewhere has he learned it ? 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

I have told him all ! — 
To him, have I revealed the inmost secrets 
Of my heart. He knows your love and kindness 
To the poor orphan child, and the strong cords 
Of love, that bind our hearts together. He 
Even knows the dream you bid me to forget, 
But now, as fresh within my mind, as if 
But yesterday I dreamed it. 

MORDECAI. 

I do remember it ! — ^'Twas a strange dream ; 
Most marvelous it should have come to pass 
Just as it has. Esther, thou hast blest our 



96 Queen Esther. 

Race, or rather thou hast been God's chosen 
Instrument to do it. To Jehovah, 
Our thanks are ever due ; to His Great Name, 
Be all the praise and glory.— But the King 
Cometh ! 

( The Ki)ig enters. ) 
QUEEN ESTHER. 

Welcome, our gracious Sovereign ! — 
For thy royal presence, accept our thanks, 
And p-rateful homagre. Thou hast crowned our lives 
With gladness, and from our hearts hast driven 
Sorrow. Most precious in our sight, is the King's 
Life and happiness. 

KING. 

And in our lovely Queen, is the King's life 
Bound up. Thy happiness is mine, and all 
That is mine, is thine. But now to business. 
Haman, thine enemy is dead — his sons 
Are also dead, and to thee. Queen Esther 
Do I give his house, and vast possessions. 
They are thine ; use them as thou deemest best. 



I 



Queen Esther. 97 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

Language cannot express, O King ! 
The feelings of my heart, for these continued 
Favors. The gift is precious — most precious, 
Since it comes from thee. 

KING. 

Some fit, and proper person 
You should select, who, in your name and place, 
Will have the charge and management of this 
House, and vast estate. — To my mind, no one 
So fit and suitable as your father, 
Mordecai. 

QUEEN ESTHER, 

You do surprise me, most agreeably ! 
Thanks, O King! for this thy wise selection. 
With thy kind permission, I do hereby 
Appoint my father, Mordecai, to rule 
This house of Haman, and over his lands 
And large possessions place him. May he be 
Wise, discreet, and ever live the faithful 
Servant of the king. 



98 Queen Esther. 

MORDECAI. 

Accept most noble Sovereign, and you my 
Queen, the homage of your servant. The trusts 
To me confided, ever v/ill I hold 
Most sacred, and perform them to the best 
Of my ability. 

KING. 

To the place of Haman, we have advanced 

Thee, Mordecai. Next to the King, thou standest 

In authority. We would have thee clothed 

In royal robes of blue and white, with crown 

Of gold, and with garments of fine linen 

And purple, that the city of Shushan 

May rejoice and be glad. Now take this ring 

With royal seal — token of thy power, 

And with it seal the writings you may send 

In the King's name to all the Jews, scattered 

Throughout the provinces, even from India 

Unto Ethiopia, and to the rulers 

Thereof, commanding to gather themselves 

Together, armed and prepared to destroy 

And slay, all who may assault them. All legal 

Rights, thy Jewish people, hereafter must 



Queen Esther. 99 

And shall enjoy, for no man can reverse 
These writings, in the King's name prepared, 
And with this ring sealed. Now go! let the scribes 
At once prepare writings you may dictate. 
And with all speed, let them be sent by posts 
On horseback, into the one hundred, twenty- 
Seven provinces of our Kingdom. 

MORDECAI. 

Thy Sovereign will, O King! shall be performed, 
And thy decrees, this very day shall be 
Sent forth throughout the Realm. Again accept 
My thanks and homage. 

{Exit Modecai bowing.) 
QUEEN ESTHER. [To the King.) 

Oh ! v/hat a royal heart 
Thou doth possess Heaven must have inspired 
These manly thoughts, induced thee to perform 
These noble acts, which, in the Chronicles 
Of Ages shall be recorded. Millions 
Yet unborn, shall to their children recount 
The virtues of the good King Ahasuerus. — 



lOO Queen EstJier. 

Yes ! posterity shall praise thee, and ages 
Yet to come, record thy goodness. 

KING. 

Heaven has greatly blessed, 
By giving me an angel for a Queen, 
And she has taught me goodness, if within 
It can be found. Like stars which shine forever, 
So shine thy virtues in the firmament 
Of my being, and if in future ages 
My name is mentioned, it will only be 
As linked with thine, my Esther. 




Fron> " Deniorest'f Weekly, 



LOVE AND TRUST. 

by permission. 



Lessons of Life 

A COLLOQUIAL POEM. 



Lessons of Life, 



SCENE I. 

SPIRIT FROM ANOTHER PLANET. 

ABOVE THE EARTH.— MORNING. 

SPIRIT. 

How beautiful the earth ! the rising Sun 

Like a huge fire-ball, reddens the eastern 

Sky, tinging the horizon as if with 

Burnished gold. Onward, he moves in glory ! 

Scattering from vale to mountain top, his 

Dazzling beams, to active duty calling 

Old and young — on all bestowing favors. 

Blest Almoner of the All Wise ! All Good ! 

All Powerful ! new life thou dost impart 

To all who feel thy presence ; the barren 

Rock now smiles, while for joy the hill-sides laugl 

Because thou deignest to stoop, and kiss them. 

105 



io5 Lessons of Life. 

The Air — conductor of all sounds— seems filled 
With music! In the great song of praise, which 
Ever rises to the Creative Throne, 
All voices seem to join, both animate 
And inanimate. The tiny bird, decked 
In rainbow colors, flashing from flower 
To flower, from rose-buds sipping nectar, 
Hums its little song; the lark rising from 
Clover-fields, pours forth a flood of joyous 
Music — still higher rising, back he sends 
A note of wild, and fitful melody. 
The bubbling fountain, babbling brook, vie with 
The running stream, —with surging ocean, which 
Hurls its crested wave high o'er the rocky 
Ledges, and whose deep bass notes like distant 
Thunder, seems as the voice of God. 

How young and fresh 
Appears this Temple, built for man ! God laid 
The corner stone, its pillars reared, its walls 
He frescoed, and its great dome He spangled 
O'er with countless stars. 

Mapped out before me, lie 
Snow-crowned mountains, ribboned o'er with shinin< 



Lessons of Life. 1^7 

Rivulets, leaping along their rocky 

Sides, as lightning leaps from a gigantic 

Cloud ; rich vales and fertile lands, with granite 

Walls enclosed ; meadows, painted in crimson, 

Green and gold ; luxuriant fields, teeming 

With waving grain and ripening fruits. In one 

Encircling ken, I gaze on rivers, lakes 

And boundless oceans— on crystal glaziers, 

Coral reefs, and sun-lit isles, here and there 

Scattered upon her bosom, like smiling 

Stars in Heaven's blue firmament. Yea, more ! 

I see, what seems the work of human hands ; 

Clustering here, are piles of marble, stone. 

And brick in great variety, and most 

Symmetrically arranged, all sculptured. 

And nicely excavated, adapted 

Well as habitations for Earth's people. 

Rising in the midst, and pointing heavenward, 

Are turrets, towers and domes; the streets seem 

Paved, and filled with human beings, running 

To and fro, crowding, jostling, dodging each 

The other. How full of life, and active 

Duty ! each striving, doubtless, to perform 



io8 Lessons of Life, 

Some great and noble purpose — some holy 

Work, most worthy of a soul immortal. 

But scattered round, still other piles I see 

Mostly of wood, in form and model like 

The others — each stands alone, a garden 

Plot annexed, painted in white, with training 

Vines embowered, beautiful and useful; 

Fit home it seems for a contented mind. 

But hark ! what shrill and startling sound I hear, 

As of a cry of anguish — can it be 

The voice of the huge monster, which I see 

Dashing with lightning speed across the plains. 

To the very base of rocky heights? Fire, 

Steam and smoke, he belches from his nostrils. — 

Madly he rushes on ! now darts as does 

A serpent for his hole, and disappears 

Into the very bosom of the earth. 

Is it the Devil ? I have heard he roams 

The earth, taking a serpent's form, then, that 

Of angel. Lo ! far beyond the rocky 

Cliff, I see him dashing, flying onward 

O'er shining rails, and iron-roads, scattered 

Like net-work o'er earth's surface. 



Lessons of Life. 109 

How peacefully upon 
The waters, move those other things of life ; 
Dancing along, the towering waves they mount, 
Then gently glide into the ocean's trough 
Only to rise again, more proudly than 
Before, scattering the spray in silvery 
Showers around. Some wingless seem, others 
Broad pinions have, of snowy whiteness. Can 
They be male and female? All living things, 
I hear are sub-divided thus ; all made 
For man, for him alone created. 

Now hie me on 
My mission ! and since to me permitted, 
ril take the human form, — will converse hold 
With this most favored race, and from them learn 
Their manners, customs, and the purposes 
And aim of life, for surely, exemplars 
They must be of holy living. 



H 



SCENE II. 

CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK CIIY. — MORNING. 
SPIRIT. 

This then is Earth ! 
How bright and beautiful the pictured scene 
Which meets my vision ! rivulets. I see, 
Dancing in silver light ; lakelets, playing 
With sunbeams ; fountains, pearl drops scattering, 
Forming cascades and water-falls in miniature. 
Foot-paths, with evergreens embowered I see, 
Winding their tortuous way, midst quiet nooks. 
And rocky dells, through rich green lawns, and beds 
Of flowers ; forest trees, clothed with autumnal 
Leaves of varied hues ; these, with the structures 
Man has reared, make it indeed a lovely 
Spot,— almost enchanted ground. 

Here, in this 
Frescade, will I sit down, — with lingering 
Eye will gaze upon those laughing, joyous 



Lessons of Life. 1 1 

Beings, now strolling round in happiness 
Before me. Here comes one ! bearing himself 
With dignity, and on his brow enthroned, 
Sits Intellect. His whitened locks, bespeak 
Great wisdom and experience, while his 
Pleasing eye and smiling face exhibit 
Most of all, a kind and humane heart. 
He, surely is the friend I seek ; to him, 
Will I declare myself, to him, reveal 
The object of my mission, and perchance 
All needed information will he give. 

[He speaks to him.) 

God's peace be with thee, friend ! 
If looks and form belie thee not, thou wilt 
Most willingly listen to a stranger's 
Voice, and give him audience. Come, sit thee 
Down beside me. In this pleasant spot, fanned 
By the cooling breeze, together we will 
Talk of God, and of his handiworks ; of earth, 
On which I gaze with pleasure ; of man, 
Respecting whom, most wondrous things abroad 
Are whispered. 



1 1 2 Lessons of Life, 

REV. DR. WISEMAN. 

Whence, and who art thou ? 
Thy voice rings of the true metal, and thy 
Words are indices of a mind, both pure 
And virtuous. 

SPIRIT. 

I am no denizen of earth, but when 
The great orb of day goes down, and darkness 
Black as midni;4ht gathers round, I'll point you 
To a planet, which, then rising, will cast 
Its borrowed light upon the world, — a soft 
And pleasing light, lifiing the soul heavenward, 
Filling it with holy aspirations. 
There is my home! 'tis in the Moon. — the great 
Reflector, which at night throws sun ra}-s on 
The earth, and in turn the earth throws back 
The same upon the moon. In harmony, 
Each the other serves. 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Thou talkest nonsense, man ! 
Between these planets, lies immensity 



Lessons of Life. 1 1 3 

Of space, crowded with sunbeams, as the sea 

With rain-drops. Didst thou cross this space, as 

thou 
Wouldst the ocean ? 

SPIRIT. 

With God, all things are possible ! Hast thou 
Not heard of Angels' visits ? of Spirits 
In the human form, who, having done what 
They were sent to do, vanished like shadows 
And were seen no more ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

I am no Sadducee, 
Who contend there is no resurrection. 
Neither angel, spirit, devil ; in all 
I do believe, for 'tis a truth revealed 
By God, and in His Holy Word proclaimed. 
The soul will never die! It will exist 
When the frail body crumbles into dust ; 
Instinct with life, 'twill burst the bonds of Earth, 
And mounting up, will be enrolled among 
The disembodied Spirits, be they good 



114 Lessons of Life. 

Or bad. See at your feet that crawling worm ! 
Seemingly it will die — perhaps to-day — 
If so, to-inorrow it appears decked out 
In rainbow colors, and on its golden 
Wings, mounts upward a gaudy butterfly. 
Thus the Immortal Soul, leavinir at lencth 
Its embryo state, unfettered, enters 
The Spirit land, with powers well suited 
For its new existence. Angels on earth 
In early times appeared— angels of light, 
On special missions sent, and for some wise 
Purposes, while spirits satanic, were 
Allowed in divers forms to roam the world. 
As tempters of mankind. In latter days, 
Like miracles they are not visible, 
For the Great Ruler executes His vast 
Designs, and purposes, by other means. 
And uses other agents. 

Each Age, has 
Had 'tis true, its own peculiar folly — 
Has had its wild chimera, phantasy, 
Or popular delusion, which, starting 
From the brain of some half-crazed fanatic, 



Lessons of Life, 115 

Has swept like wildfire, gathering in its 
Course, both strength and fierceness. 

The great hobby 
Of one Age was the Crusades. The hermit 
Peter, Monk of Amiens, low of stature, 
And ill-favored, conceived in Palestine 
The grand idea of wresting from hands 
Of Musselmen, our Saviour's Sepulchre, 
And from infidel thralldom, rescuing 
The poor Christians of the East. In his dreams, 
Visions he saw, and forth he went upon 
A mule, barefooted and barearmed preaching 
To countless thousands. Into Italy, 
And France — thence into Germany he went, 
And under the banner of the Cross, millions 
Were enrolled. Then, as now, enthusiasm 
Was most contagious ! for, seized with frenzy, 
The lame, the halt and blind, with wives and children 
Crowding to the Holy Land, blocked up all 
Roads leading to Jerusalem. But few 
Returned ! by famine, by disease, by sword, 
Thousands, yea, millions fell, and Death did glut 
Itself with victims. 



ii6 Lessons of Life. 

Then came the Age 
Of Witchcraft, when evil Spirits roamed 
The earth, as was beHcved in divers forms. 
Demons and Witches were plenty in those 
Days ; — visible, invisible, and thick 
As summer flies. Aerial devils 
There were, living in air, causing tempests 
And whirl-winds ; terrestial, dwelling on earth, 
The timid frightening, and tormenting men. 
Witchcraft became' a mania. Fooh'sh, 
And absurd, this vile belief engendered 
Superstitions, which in their turn deluged 
The land with blood — with horrors, too terrible 
To relate. Learned and unlearned, old and young, 
The beautiful maiden and the toothless 
Hag, were all bewitched, and on the scaffold. 
Or at the stake they suffered. Was there time, 
I could relate of other ages most 
Strange delusions ; how thorough search was made 
For the Elixir Vitac, — thought to be 
Of death a sure preventative; of search 
For the Philosopher's Stone, which, if found 
Would turn all metals into gold, making 



Lessons of Life. \\j 

Men rich ; of Divination, Augury, 
Magnetism and Prophecy, till coming 
Down, a tale I could relate, of midnight 
Seances, moonlight materializations, 
And of dark circles, wherein spirits, white 
And black appear, exhibiting most strange 
And marvelous manifestations. 

Mysterious 
Is that influence, by which one mind can 
Sway another, as the will doth ever 
Sway the members of the body, making 
Them do its bidding ; more mysterious, 
The seeming willingness exhibited 
By some, in being blindly led, against 
Their judgment, reason, conscience, and against 
All common sense, into glaring errors, 
Adopting theories, and principles 
Pernicious in themselves, absurd, and most 
Destructive to society. God made 
The mind as He made stars, perfect ! and as 
In Nature's diadem He set those brilliants. 
So in the world of intellect. — His own 
Bright coronet — did He fix the mind, and gave 



ii8 Lessons of Life. 

It strength His glory to reflect, as moon 

Throws back the sun-rays. How sad to know that 

This, the noblest portion of our being, 

Which thinks, and wills, and reasons, — this gifted 

Reflex of the Deity, should comet-like 

Have broken from its sphere, o'er leaping bounds 

Fixed by the Almighty, and gone rambling 

Through space, casting but shadows. Ofttimes 

At night, while gazing on the stars twinkling 

So beautifully in the heavens, have 

I seen a meteor go flashing through 

The sky, earthward, then in black darkness 

Disappear. Thus man did fall from the high 

Estate in which he was created. 

SPIRIT. 

Indeed ! most marvelous 
Things thou dost relate, of thine own species. 
In yonder planet, peopled by a race 
Guiltless and sinless, something was whispered 
Of the fall of man, and of some special favor, 
Wherein was exercised an attribute 
Of Deity never before displayed, — 
Of mercy and forgiveness. More would we 



Lessons of Life. 1 19 

Learn, and to this end it was permitted 

Me to visit earth, and in human form 

To sojourn for a while. Ambassador, 

Unheralded, and unannounced I come 

Upon this special mission ! no regal 

Pomp, no brilliant retinue attend my 

Footsteps; no boon companion will lend his 

Aid and presence, nor with me, share the work 

And honor of this my high vocation. 

Alone, I'll range through earth, observing man 

In public, social, and in private life ; 

Will note his actions, read his thoughts, and trace 

The inward workings of his mind. Thy words 

Cast shadows o'er my spirits, and drink up 

Pleasant thoughts, as darkness drinks up twilight. 

Surely 'mong God's favored ones, can be found 

A host of noble, just, and virtuous 

Men, whose every word, and thought, and act, must 

Harmonize with the Creative Mind ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

I would not take 
One virtue from the human heart, nor add 
One pang to thine ; but if indeed thou art 



I20 Lessons of Life. 

A Spirit as thou dost say, and here have 

Come upon a holy mission, God speed 

Thy footsteps, and give thee strength thy duty 

To perform. Deceitful a'bove all things, 

And desperately wicked, is the heart 

Uncleansed and unredeemed. Go the world o'er, 

From Frost Land to the Burning Zone, from East 

To West, 'mong Christians, Pagans, civilized 

And uncivilized, and you will see dark 

Crimes committed, foul wrongs perpetrated, 

And fiery passions like fiends incarnate. 

Each striving for the mastery. Enough 

You'll see to give thee heart-throbs, driving 

The blood, hot, tingling through the veins. 

Among the masses of mankind, 
There have in every age been found good men, 
Whose characters like burnished gold, have shone 
Spotless and pure. Generous, unselfish, 
Full of faith and holy love, they have lived 
Not for themselves, but to promote the good 
Of others, and magnify the great name 
Of Him who governs all. Like Oases 
In a barren desert, so in the moral 



Lessons of Life. 121 

World, where everything seems scorched, and 

shriveled 
Up by sin, such characters look fruitful 
And most refreshing. Unknown, unhonored 
They may be — on history's page their names 
May be unwritten ; it matters not ! for in 
The great Book of Life they are enrolled. 

Wouldst thou learn 
The story of our Race — its progress trace 
From the creation to the present time, 
Or know the human mind, and understand 
Its varied changes, from early infancy 
To age advanced — from cradle to the grave .^^ 
On history's page, sacred and profane 
'Tis written ; the records of all ages 
Therein are treasured up; God's dealings with 
Our race, and all essential facts are there 
Spread out, like stars upon the firmament 

SPIRIT. 

How happens it. 
That for so many years these facts could be 
Remembered — the records how preserved } 



122 Lessons of Life. 

DR. WISEMAN. 

The mind is ever active, either 
For good or evil. Now doth it wander, 
In day-dreams, fictions, and visions from place 
To place, by truth or reason unrestrained, — 
Then, will it gather facts, search out events. 
And by comparison, will discover 
The external relations they bear, each 
To the other. Most complex is the mind's 
Phenomena, for mingling together 
Like the ingredients of a compound. 
Are thoughts, sensations, and emotions, each 
Striving for the mastery, giving new 
Life and force to mental faculties. On 
Science, all Arts practical, are founded ; 
And what is science but the glorious 
Product of the mind, in comprehending 
The relationship of things, and tracing 
Effects back to their causes? Truly, 
This Age is an inventive one ! Li art, 
And science, most rapid progress has been 
Made, and marvelous things revealed during 



Lessons of Life. 123 

The present century. The printing press 

By steam is driven, and books, a countless 

Number are scattered o'er the world. In Greek, 

Hebrew, Syraic, Arabic, — in French, 

German, English, — in poetry, and prose 

Are now recorded the past and present 

Of our race. 

In his great wisdom, God hath to us 
Revealed His Holy Will, — instructed us 
In matters pertaining to Himself, His 
Government, and of the grand scheme by Him 
Devised for man's redemption. Of all books. 
Most precious is the Bible ! It recounts 
The history of man from the creation 
To the present time ; the simple story 
Of the cross it tells — how God this guilty 
World so loved, as to give His only Son 
A sacrifice for sin, how willingly 
The Son did drink the bitter cup, thereby 
Perfecting man's redemption. 

Yea, more ! this blessed book. 
Filled with most glorious truths, and precious 
Promises, — with holy precepts and sweet 



124 Lessons of Life, 

Messages of love, shines like a beacon 
Light, to guide the wandering soul into 
The haven of Eternal Rest. 

SPIRIT. 

And is this true ? 
Such love I cannot comprehend ! Why did 
Not God blast this sinful world, or make it 
Pure by his avenging lightnings? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

God is Love! and being such, 
lie freely did forgive, and gave I lis Son 
A ransom for our race. All can be saved 
Who will lepent in faith. — Not otherwise. 

SPIRIT. 

Did you say, that rapid progress now 
Was being made, in science and in art ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Like Ocean's crested waves, 
Years onward rush in the great sea of Time, 
Bringing to light the products of man's skill 



Lessons of Life. 125 

And ingenuity. How quick years come 

And go, then vanish into ages, crowned 

With events and monuments stupendous ! 

Time was, when the frail body was enslaved 

And doomed to servile labor. The daily 

Bread by the brow's sweat was earned, and toiling 

Millions had no higher aim, or purpose, 

Than to get food and raiment. How little 

Did they know of mind, its giant powers, 

And God-like faculties ! For lonsj- acres 

It slept in fetters — barren and sterile 

As deserts' burning sands, but rousing up. 

At length it burst its bonds, and to the world 

Proclaimed its high prerogatives. Time works 

Its changes, and for two centuries past. 

Mind has been active, and the world has moved. 

Most rapid and universal is social 

Intercourse ; with lightning speed oceans are 

Traversed, deserts explored, and now being 

Fully developed is the philosophy 

Of uses. Most rapid strides have nations 

Made in science and in art — wind, water, 

Fire are harnessed up to do man's bidding, 



126 Lessons of Life. 

And night and day they toil, driving those huge 
Machines, which now perform man's servile work. 
But see ! the evening cometh — 
The lengthening shadows and descending sun 
Bid us depart. Come to my home and see 
Domestic life. Before the Throne of Grace, 
With us unite in prayer and praise to Him, 
Who doth all things well. 



SCENE III. 

WALL STREET. — NOON. 
SPIRIT. 

Strange sight is this ! 
What means this human tide, this hurrying 
To and fro, this crowding, jostUng, dodging 
Each the other ? Feverish, excited 
They appear, but full of life and action 
Vigorous. Surely, some great and noble 
Purpose they must have, some worthy object ; 
Competitors perhaps, for the great prize,— 
The Crown of Glory, God has offered. 

DR. WISEMAN. 

In his dark cell, 
A felon, convicted and condemned, will 
Sometimes fall asleep, and a sweet, joyous 
Smile will play upon his countenance, while 
He dreams of home, of happy, boyhood days. 
And of a mother's love. I would not,— could 



128 Lessons of Life. 

Not have the heart this dream-sketch to despoil, 
Or from his mind drive out this vision bright, 
For soon enough he'll wake to misery. 
Nor would I, were it not expedient, 
Wake you from day-dreams, or blur this vision 
Of your soul as to our race. 'Tis Mammon 
Worship you behold ! here sits the golden 
Calf enthroned, and at its most exacting 
Shrine, men offer incense. To rob, and cheat 
Seems their chief end, — their sought for siunimun 

bo num. 
The savage in his pride, points to the scalps 
Suspended from his person, as trophies 
Of his power; the purse-proud millionaire 
Exhibits gold, wrung from the poor man's brow. 
And calls it wealth ; yea ! the jeweled upstart. 
Who deals in stocks, and bonds, and money loans 
At most usurious rates, will rack his brain 
To take the bread from out his brother's mouth. 
Go in the " Broker's Board," or the " Exchange," 
And you will see how men like cats and dogs 
Will snarl and growl, one at the other. We 
Call them " Bulls and Bears,'' — fit names for those 



Lessons of Life. i2g 

Who prey upon each other. Thirsting for 
Gold, how demon-hke they act, and what vile 
Tricks they practice, to deceive and cheat their 
Fellows. 'Tis a School of Vice, wherein base 
Passions rule, and legalized is gambling. 

Here dissemblers meet, and here 
Do congregate a class of men, who pit 
Their brains against their hearts, and having left 
At home their consciences, will bring their bags 
Of yellow gold, and with them practice most 
Infernal arts. Here too, are seen the young 
And inexperienced. Led on by dazzling 
Dreams of wealth, and hopes delusive, they will 
Step by step, this whirlpool of corruption 
Enter, till they are fleeced and robbed of all 
Their honest earnings. Not content with this 
Deserved chastisement, manhood they barter. 
And their honor pledge as one would pawn 
His jewels, at most usurious rates. 
Cheating one's self is bad enough, but when 
'Tis done, how easy to practice the same 
Game on others. By fraud, some men grow rich 
And others poor. This gambling legalized, 



130 Lessons of Life. 

Petrifies the soul, — hath drank all goodness 
From the heart, as death will drink its life-blood. 
Well hath the poet said — 
'* In the street the tide of being, how it surges, how 

it rolls- 
God ! what base ignoble faces. God ! what bodies 

wanting souls.'' 

SPIRIT. 

Thy words indeed are terrible! 
Like drops of molten lead, into my heart 
They burn. Why does not God hurl forth his bolts. 
And blast them with his vengeance? why bestow 
On such as these, his gifts of love, or strew 
With flowers their pathway — scattering blessings 
On them like snow-flakes o'er the earth ? Is gold 
Man's only idol, and this the only 
Plague spot of the world, or at other shrines, 
And in other lands is incense offered ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Man's folly is proverbial ! 
How full of human blunders, ignorance, 
And crime is the historic page ! It tells 



Lessons of Life. 131 

Of mad ambition, grasping avarice, 

And venal lust, of selfishness most base, 

Of tyranny most horrible. These are 

The idols, men everywhere do worship. 

Man delights in power, and when obtained 

How wrongfully he uses it ! The vile 

Pestilence which stalketh forth at noonday. 

Dragging its countless victims in its train, 

Is less destructive than the tyrant's will. 

Let elements combine, let all unite 

With the destroying angel in blotting 

God's image from the earth — yea! the Sea 

May lash herself to fury, volcanic 

Fires may rage, earthquakes may rock earth's centre. 

The fierce tornado hither and thither, 

Dash, wildly insane, — 'tis all in vain ! 

Elements their rest must take from such mad 

Efforts, and human wisdom will foresee, 

And guard against destruction. 

Not so with human passions ! 
For once inflamed, like fires of Hell, they burn, 
And burn forever. Tyrants are fiends 
In human form, — incarnate fiends ! who prey 



132 Lessons of Life. 

Upon mankind, and glut themselves with blood. 
Man's bitter foe, is man, and they will feed 
Like carrion crows upon each other. 

This Age 
Is noted for its crimes, among those deemed 
Respectable. Scarcely a day doth pass. 
Without its breathing some gigantic fraud, 
Or startling defalcation, — not by the poor, 
And so-called vulgar class committed. 
But by those honored wretches who have lived 
In princely style, dazzling our eyes by means 
Of borrowed wealth, — perhaps by those whom we 
To power have raised, custodians made 
Of our great nation's treasures. Alas ; 'tis true ! 
The very air seems surcharged as with crime, 
The winds do whisper in our ears some truths. 
Which cause our hearts to throb, our cheeks with 

blood 
To crimson, and our eyes, hot, scalding tears 
To drop for very shame. How true as one 
Has said, " It matters not what men assume 
To be, or good, or bad, they are but what 
They are." 



Lessons of Life. 133 

To rob, and cheat, and steal, 
Is a prerogative assumed by some, 
Who seek thereby to magnify themselves, 
And lord it over others. With costly 
Wines and sumptuous dinners, they attach 
A class of hungry sycophants, who dog-like 
Fawn upon their tinseled masters, — ready 
Stand to do their bidding, and to their every 
Word will say, Amen ! How rocket-like some 
Men with rushing sound, will rise above their 
Fellows, and to the gaping crowd throw off 
Most brilliant scintillations, — for a time 
In dazzling brightness they are seen, then all 
Is darkness ; yea ! like a charred stick they fall, — 
Are trampled on, by once admiring friends. 
Don't call this luck, or chance — No ! No ! but God, 
Whose great Omniscient eye beholdeth all 
Things, and Who the secrets of the inmost heart 
Doth read, may for a little while permit 
Such fools to glory in their shame, before 
He hurls them to destruction. 

I know one, 
And with his case we are all familiar, 



1 34 Lessons of Life. 

Who, but yesterday was the " Grand Mogul " 
Of a powerful faction. Stalwart in frame, 
And schooled in politics, the central figure 
Was he in a Ring most infamous. He 
Was its Chief, its head, its front, and as such 
Was he worshipped. Daring, unscrupulous, 
A crafty trickster, and designing knave, 
He had an eye on plunder. Ambition 
Was the spur of all his actions ; — the God 
To which he sacrificed — what most he should 
Have guarded, — his honor and his manhood. 
In his enormous grasp, he seized what came 
Within his reach, — no matter whence it came. 
Or how ; it was his gold and wealth. The man, 
Who in public, or official duty 
Fails, on private virtue will disdainful 
Tread, as steps to raise him to some higher 
Purpose. Rogues who dread shame, to hide their 

guilt 
Will greater rogues become. Guilt once begun, 
Will fly to crime consummate to be safe. 
Rich and powerful had become this crafty 
Politician ; then followed in his train 



Lessons of Life. 1 3 5 

A crowd of fawning sycophants, to whom 
His smile was life, and death his frown. Judges 
Were but his tools, and Legislators classed 
Among his warmest friends ; Courts he controlled 
And ballot box he stuffed ; Schools political, 
In which the vile and ignorant of earth 
Were gathered, to be trained his will to do, 
Were lavishly supported. 

Oh ! how like 
Summer insects, did these parasites bask 
Awhile in sunshine, and with gilded wings. 
Flutter about this tinseled lord. How fat 
And sleek they grew on stolen provender. 
Scattered so lavishly by the Boss's hand ; 
How every man at will did grind his axe, — 
And axes were plenty in those days — each. 
And all, some grinding needed on '' My Lord's" 
Great model grindstone,—" Corruption." In his 
Pride the Chief grew most presumptuous ! had he 
Lived on buttered thunder, and drank naught else 
But vivid lightnings, more gorgeous villainies 
He could not have displayed, to shock mankind. 
Oh ! how he piled up wrath, against the day 



136 Lessons of Life. 

Of wrath, — his power supreme, he would snap 
His fingers in faces of honest men, 
And threaten them with vengeance. 

SPIRIT. 

Didst thou not say but yesterday, 
That brutes by instinct know their foes, and when 
To them superior strength is given, 
They use it for destruction ? Didst thou not 
Say the veriest worm when trampled on. 
Turns on its destroyer? Why then do men 
Endowed with reason — with powers of thought 
And action, — with determined will, tamely 
Submit to such ignoble acts? why not 
Crush out at once such human monsters? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

This man had sown the wind. 
And now the whirlwind of the people's wrath 
Must surely reap. Such potent instruments 
By them had been prepared, as would o'erturn 
This Idol of the hour, and dash him down 
By proofs invincible. The Ring of which 
He was the head and front, was broken up, 
And craven minions by guilty conscience 



Lessons of Life. 13;; 

Lashed, like chaff before the wind were scattered. 
Thank God ! the time had come when could be 

found 
A Jury who dared convict, — an honest 
Judge, who dared the penalty due to crime 
Inflict ; whom bribes did not affect, and who 
Firmly and justly the law administered. 
The great man was arrested, and his day 
Of glory set in darkest night. Justice 
This once had triumphed. Cold, pale and trembling, 
This helpless, shipwrecked wretch was made to stand 
In public ; with uncovered head received 
The sentence of the Court, — not death, but deep. 
Damning degradation. Honors and wealth, 
The intercourse with friends, comforts of home, 
Yea! the world itself must be abandoned, 
And thus for twelve long years, with shaven head. 
Wearing the garb of infamy and shame, 
Must he live and toil with convicts. Punishment 
Deserved ! How thick the thoughts did crowd 

upon 
His wearied brain, — scorpion-like, each one 
Did have its sting; the Future, Present, Past; 



138 Lessons of Life. 

Oh ! how like molten lead they fell upon 

His smitten soul to weigh it down. By night, 

By day did guilty conscience like a fiend 

Torment him, and if perchance, upon his 

Hard, cold cot he fell asleep, of nightmare 

'Twould take the form, and scare him till the flesh 

Seemed creeping from the bone and he woke up 

In misery. 

The galley-slave while tugging at the oar. 

Can feel no degradation if ignoble 

Born ; but he, who in the lap of luxury 

Is bred, whose every wish is gratified, 

Whose word is law, endowed with mental powers 

And with a mind most richly cultivated, — 

A millionaire, ranking among the noble 

Ones of earth. Oh ! he will feel like sinking 

Out of sight, his bonds will hang like mill-stones 

Round his neck to sink him to perdition. 

SPIRIT 

'Tis a burning shame ! 
That men will train the passions, the vices 
Cultivate, will gloss misdeeds, and trifle 
With great truths. This love of power, — this lust 



Lessons of Life. 139 

For gold must prostitute the soul, and make 
It ripe for infamy. 

DR. WISEMAN. 

* Alas ! tis true ; 

Like mildew, it will blast and shrivel up 
The good within us. The sordid Judas 
Did for paltry gold betray his Lord, 
And to the rabble, thirsting for His blood, 
The ambitious Pilate gave his Master. 
Enough of this. — Let us go hence. 



SCENE IV. 

BROADWAY. AFTERNOON. 

SPIRIT. 

Here do I breathe more freely. 
From my soul has passed a frightful vision, 
Like vapor from the earth. I seem to stand 
In sunlight, and the night-shadows of my 
Spirit, before the glory and grandeur 
Of this enchanted spot, have vanished. 
How young, and fresh, and beautiful appear 
The objects of my vision ! These marble 
Palaces, these marts of trade with crystal 
Fronts, filled with earth's choicest products ; these 

domes 
And spires ascending heavenward ; these laughing. 
Joyous faces, — lovely maidens, in form 
Angelic, and whose smiles, sweet as opening 
Rose-buds are showered upon us, — surely, 
These are true indices of a mind, pure, 
Happy and contented. 



Lessons of Life, 141 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Like oxen yoked together, 
Science and Art their forces have combined, 
To beautify the world's great promenades. 
For miles extends this broad, paved thoroughfare. 
Lined with continuous freestone, granite and 
Marble, chiseled, sculptured and embellished 
With costly decorations, symmetrical 
And elaborate. Here too, ebbs and flows 
Unceasingly, the great tide of human 
Life, bearing upon its spacious bosom. 
People of every nation, clime, and tongue. 
Here side by side, are starving mendicants 
And purse-proud millionaires ; the virtuous 
Maidens and painted courtesans ; the man 
Of thought and action, and the brainless fop. 
Here, Votaries of Fashion you can see, 
Swarming these trade-temples, like bees about 
A hive, buzzing from store to store, feasting 
Their eyes on newest styles, and most recent 
Importations. Maidens, matrons, mothers 
In dressy toilets, vie with flaunting belles, 
In gathering tinseled gewgaws to bedeck 
7 



142 Lessons of Life. 

Their persons. Shopping, is but a habit, 
Most dangerous and expensive. It has 
Made kind husbands bankrupt, — to untimely 
Graves sent parents broken-hearted, — cheapened 
Virtue, and made the young both proud and vaiuj 
By dressing them hke puppets for a show. 

" Going-a-shopping," 
Is a phrase by the many used — by few 
Well understood. Not simply does it mean 
Comforts and necessities to purchase ; 
O, no!— It means to promenade the streets 
In gorgeous suits, or toilets elegant, — 
Seeing and being seen, — flirting with those 
With whom they come in contact, yea ! flirting 
With nice young men who ready stand to show 
Them due attention. It means absenting 
One's self from home, leaving the '* little ones," 
Perhaps an infant babe,— from morn till night 
To tender mercies of a cruel nurse ; — 
It means keeping one's self from " rusting out,"— 
Life's precious moments wasting in a whirl 
Continuous, of giddy dissipation. 



Lessons of Life. 143 

SPIRIT. 

Speak not I pray thee, so bitterly 
Of v/oman ! whom God hath made beautiful 
As Venus, — pure and bright as morning star. 
Surel)% there are those whose lives of spotless 
Purity, like virgin gold are modest, 
And of intrinsic value. 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Thou speakest truly! 
At the creation, the great and crowning 
Work of God was woman — man's helpmate 
And companion. Most beautiful, most frail 
Was she created, and when tempted — fell ; 
Man also fell, and evil filled the world 
As brine doth fill the ocean. Redemption 
Came ! — Seed of the woman bruised the serpent's 
Head. The Virgin Mother bore a cherub 
Boy ; " Immanuel," He was called, — the '' Prince 
Of Peace,"— the "Saviour" of the world. Angels 
Might well rejoice, and Stars together sing, 
When in a humble manger Christ appeared, 
Born of a woman. Honored and redeemed 
She stands, exalted above all others. 



144 Lessons of Life. 

Yes ! thousands there are 
In this great mammon city, whose home-Hfe 
Seems as sweet and cheerful as the placid 
Lake, shut in twixt mountainets. Woman's 
True empire is her home, and power she 
Hath, by influence and by example. 
To make, or mar domestic life. Modest, 
Cheerful, amiable, she wins her crown 
Of glory by noble acts, and being 
What she is, the crown and blessing of her 
Family. " What so beautiful on earth, 
As kindred love and family repose ? 
Home is a world in minature, with Sun 
And Moon, and galaxy of shining Stars, 
Moving in love and harmony. Filial 
Obedience and parental care go hand 
In hand, like two young loves, seeking each 
Others' happiness Here the fond mother 
Does her noblest work; in faith and joyous 
Hope, in prayers and tears, with constant care 
And deep solicitude, the characters 
Of her little ones she forms and daily 
Moulds, watering, and pruning these olive 



Lessons of Life. 145 



Plants, 'round the parental board." Thus does she 
Gild a virtuous life, with brighest gold. 



SPIRIT. 

Thou showest me now, 
Summer and sunshine of domestic life, 
And should I here on earth remain, methinks 
'Mong the fair daughters of the land, a wife 
I would select, — no tinseled fashionist ; 
No made-up manakin, or flirting belle. 
But one possessing reason, conscience, heart ; 
Whose gentle manners, and whose modest ways 
Like Autumn clouds upon the evening sky, 
Scatter their roseate hues of beauty 
And of love on all around. Pray tell me 
Sir, do all men marry? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

O, no ! for some there are, 
Whose hearts are cold as snow-drifts, sterile as 
Icelandic icebergs, who can no more love 
Than marble statue, chiseled to human 
Form. Selfish, phlegmatic, onward through life 
They grope their way, unloving and unloved. 



146 Lessons of Life. 

Others there are, 
Habitues of gilded sample-rooms, oft 
Seen at places like the Cremorne, Mabille, 
And Bagnios — the fast young men, whose lives 
Are sensual, and wretched made by vice, 
And lowest dissipation ; such prefer 
A mistress to a wife ; a club or dance 
House, to a quiet fireside. Thus they grow 
Old in sin, and make a boast of single 
Blessedness. 

SPIRIT. 

Rather say 
They glory in their shame ! for shameless must 
They be, who to unbridled passions give 
The greatest latitude. It seems most strange. 
That the immortal mind can thus debase 
Its mortal tenement, — can blast the spring-buds 
Of its life, as the young plant is blasted 
By the early frost. Surely, with a cold 
Eye the world must frown upon them, and from 
Its presence drive these wretched sensualists. 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Not so ! In the great 
Play-house of the world, either in Comedy, 



Lessons of Life. 147 

Or Tragedy, all take a part and each 
A chacter assumes, conspicuous 
Or humble. Before the blazing foot-lights, 
Folly and Fortune hand in hand appear, — 
Stars of the first magnitude in worldling's 
Eyes, who laud them to the skies and on them 
Shower repeated encores. Next Wisdom 
And Virtue — the twin-sisters come, bearing 
I'hemselves with grace and modesty; admired 
Indeed by few, but by the great masses 
Scorned and derided. Great is the power 
Of Wealth ! like charity it covereth 
A multitude of sins. The sensualist, 
However vile a vagabond, is dined 
And wined ; is petted, toadied and caressed 
Provided he is rich. 1 1 is wealth doth gild 
His character, as the dark angry cloud 
Ofttimes is gilded 'round with burnished 
Sun-rays. Gold gives position, sanctifies 
All vice, and into crystal lakes transforms 
These cesspools of corruption. 'Tis lunch time ! 
Our bodies frail, food, drink and rest require, 



148 Lessons of Life. 

As the parched earth refreshing showers. Wilt 
Go with me ? 

SPIRIT. 

Most wiUingly do I accept 
Your hospitalities. Let us depart. 



SCENE V. 

FIFTH AVENUE.— MORNING. 
DR. WISEMAN. 

These are the abodes of men 
Who Hve in style, and roll in luxury. 
These stately, brown stone mansions, towering 
Skyward, ornate, elaborate, for miles 
Extend, and to the eye seem palaces 
In dream-land. Within these massive walls, fresh 
From the hands of artists and artizans, 
Are brilliant frescoes, and most beautiful 
Decorations. Here Parian busts are seen 
On golden tripods, and the costliest. 
Rarest statuary from pure marble 
Sculptured, stand singly or in groups. Alcoves, 
With crimson velvet hung; carpets of gobelin. 
Soft and luxuriant ; tables, inlaid 
With ivory and with pearl, bronzes, vases, 
And matchless paintings, are all reflected 
In the huge, polished mirrors, and combine 



150 Lessons of Life. 

With the Parisian furniture to form 
A picture of gorgeous magnificence. 
Here Princes dwell, and here they exercise 
A glorious exclusiveness. From these 
Palatial homes, with scorn they look upon 
The honest laborer, who toils to earn 
His daily bread. The stately oak, towering- 
Above its fellows will bask in sunshine, 
And will toy with sunbeams playing among 
Its branches ; but no fruit it bears, except 
The stinted acorn, while on the fruitful 
Trees it looks with cold contempt, and o'er them 
Throws its darkened shadow. Thus with these 

men, 
Living a life of quietude and ease, 
Basking in sunlight of prosperity. 
Selfish, arrogant and proud, what care they 
For starving millions, or less fortunate 
Ones of earth, to whom they lend no helping 
Hand, but on them cast the cold, dark shadow 
Of contempt. 

SPIRIT. 

Thou dost call them Princes ; 
Are they descendants of a nobler race, 



Lessons of Life. 1 5 1 

Or made of nobler blood than others? In 
Intellect, or powers of mind, do they 
Excel ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Appearances are 
Most deceitful. The tawdry sunflower, 
Upon its high and branchless stalk, will turn 
Itself in pride, keeping its yellow disk 
Looking sunward while in its shadow grows 
The modest violet, or fragrant rose. 
Most rare and beautiful. The noblest ones 
Of earth, live not in gilded palaces, 
Nor stand they high in the great world's opinion. 
*Tis on earth's surface barren rocks are seen, 
And bleak cold mountains lie— in her bosom, 
Silver and gold, and purest ores and gems 
Of priceless value lie concealed. These men 
Are shoddy princes ! from obscurity 
They sprung, like mushrooms from a dung hill. Here 
Comes one ! his paneled carriage drawn by well 
Groomed horses, driven by liveried servants. 
How like a Lord he seems, — looking at what 
He is — not what he was. Can yuu believe. 



152 Lessons of Life. 

His father was but a common huckster, 

And his mother a vender of apples 

In the market ? Such they were, — a thrifty 

Couple on whom Dame Fortune smiled, and they 

Secured a competence. This son, crafty, 

Shrewd, unprincipled, grew up to manhood, 

Leading a shameful life of idleness. 

And dissipation. Somehow, or other — 

Rumor doth not tell — he floated into 

Politics; a wire-puller soon became, 

Leader of caucuses — of cliques and rings ; 

A power behind the throne, obtaining 

For himself and friends, offices yielding 

Perquisites immense, and rich, fat contracts — 

Those stupendous frauds— whereby the city 

Was defrauded, and he enriched. 

This self-made man — and that he made himself 

There is no doubt — is now a millionaire, 

Drives daily to his club, idling his time 

Away with men, as honest as himself. 

SPIRIT. 

Have they no noble purpose — 
No great end in view ? Powerful and rich. 



Lessons of Life. 153 

How easily could they strew with flowers 

The pathway of the poor, pluck thorns from hearts 

Most deeply lacerated — comfort give 

To widows and the fatherless. 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Thou speakest nonsense ! 
Their souls are bound, as the Chinese do bind 
Their feet to make them small, and when old age 
Comes on, the heart all dried and shriveled up, 
Is but a lump of selfishness— a piece 
Of petrifaction, harder than adamant. 
Searching, scrambling for wealth is the great aim 
Of life, and miser-like they'll hug their gold, 
Even when tottering o'er their graves, and death 
Films make them sightless. Not of all I speak ! 
For there are those — exceptions to the rule — 
Who at the Judgment-Seat, will hear the words, 
" Well done thou good and faithful servant." 

SPIRIT. 

Have these most selfish men, no fear of death. 
Or the great future spreading out before 
Them, like a vast, trackless ocean? 



154 Lessons of Life, 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Yes ! as the mariner dreads 
The typhoon, so they dread death — tliey hate it, 
As nature hates a vacuum. Feeling 
Within themselves a consciousness of life 
Immortal, they grasp it, as a drowning 
Man a straw, foolishly applying it, — 
Not to the soul, but to its frail, earthy 
Tenement. To them, the thought of endless 
Life — of infinite eternity on earth, 
Is most delightful. — Oh ! how they bask 
In sunshine, boasting of wealth and power; 
Hoarding their riches as the miser does 
His gold, and for a little time rehearse 
The parody on life — then beggar-like 
They die, and but a tomb stone tells the spot 
Where lie their fleshless bones; soon into dust 
Even this marble crumbles, and by howling 
Winds is swept away. Friends mourn a single 
D.iy, clothing themselves in sackcloth, and o'er 
Their graves will drop a tear, then like a pack 
Of hounds, will fight and squabble for a share 
Of the estate. 



Lessons of Life. 155 

Grim Death to all will come ! 
Surely as the Winter's frosts, or Summer's 
Heat. The little cherub boy, with head all 
Covered o'er with clustering ringlets ; with cheeks 
Crimsoned with purest life-blood ; reclining 
On his mother's lap, his simple prayer 
Will lisp — then with a good night kiss will fall 
Sweetly asleep, dreaming of bright angels 
Even while Death, taking the form of croup, 
Noiselessly, stealthily appears and robs 
The lovely casket of its bright, jeweled 
Spirit. The full-grown man, most perfectly 
Developed, muscular and sinewy, 
May boast his health and strength, but ere the words 
?Iave fallen from his lips, Death in the form 
Of apoplexy strikes him dead. The King 
Upon his throne must die, as in the street 
The beggar. As naked born, so naked 
Must we go from earth and be forgotten. 
Death is a leveler ! No wise distinctions 
Doth he make of caste, or color. Mankind 
He serves alike, and if on one he fixes 
His cold eye, that man will die, let him be 



15^ Lessons of Life. 

Prince or beggar. For all, he hath prepared 
A common bed, and side by side, he lays 
The rich man with the poor — master with slave, 
And o'er them throws the same cold, earthy 
Mantle. 

O, Death ! thou art insatiable ! 
Thou dost come in w^ar, in peace, in earthquakes, 
Lightnings, storms ; in pestilential vapors, 
And cooling zephyrs. Merciless, bribeless. 
Pitiless — a dreaded vampire, thou dost 
Glut thyself with victims, and still remain 
Unsatisfied. 

SPIRIT. 

Thou speakest truly, but thy words 
Are full of sadness, weighing most heavily 
On my spirit. But see ! gathered before 
Us, a thronging multitude ; canst thou tell 
Its meaning ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

In yonder spacious mansion lies 
A human form, lifeless and cold. The heart 
Throbs not, and the pulse has ceased its faintest 
Beating. Within the veins and arteries. 



Lessons of Life. 157 

No life-blood flows, for like the rivulets 

Of Spring drank up by the parched summer's earth, 

So it has vanished ; while the brain wearied, 

And faint, has given up unfinished, its 

Life-engrossing business. The man is dead ! 

Within a gorgeous casket, embowered 

In loveliest flowers, lie the remains 

Of the so-called — '' Merchant Prince." He has gone 

Naked and alone, into the Spirit 

Land, leaving behind his vast estates, his 

Goods, chattels, lands, stocks, bonds ; his gold and all 

That could be gathered up in that short space 

Of time — ^that moment we call-" Life." How strange ! 

That men will toil — and rack the brain, and strain 

Their heart-strings, for no nobler purpose than 

To gather up the dross of earth. The dead 

To earth must be consigned, and friends have met 

Together, to perform the last, sad rite 

Of burial — a duty, the living 

Owe the dead. Let us depart. 



SCENE VI. 

THE BATTERY. — EVENING. 
SPIRIT. 

In every form God seems to bless 
Mankind, and watches them as tenderly, 
As a young mother does her first-born babe. 
To-night I feel His presence, for I see 
All scattered round about us, His handi- 
Works — expressions of His love, and warmest 
Sympathy. The moon shines in her glory, 
And smooth as glass, the waters of the bay, 
Unrippled by the cooling breeze wafted 
From the great sea beyond. The countless stars, 
Like eyes of Cherubim and Seraphim, 
Seem smiling on us, while nature, all clothed 
In queenly majesty, whispers to our 
Souls the words of peace and comfort. 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Thou speakest truly ! The sun, 
The moon, tlxe countless stars; with system piled 



Lessons of Life. 159 

On system, and far beyond, other suns, 
And other systems — each in its order, 
Like clock-work moving — are but exhibits 
Of the handiwork of the Great Infinite, 
Whose love, boundless as space and durable 
As eternity, we all experience. 

On us, and on our race 
lie scatters blessings, like pearly dew-drops 
On the parched earth, for 'tis in Him we 
Live, and move, and have our being. God clothes, 
And feeds the lily of the field — teaches 
The sparrow how to build its nest, and rear 
Its young, and to everything created, 
Animal, and vegetable. He gives 
The most exquisite structure, and complete 
Organization. On all space we see 
God's footprints, and every mind bears imprint 
Of His Divinity. 

*Tis a lovely night ! 
Bright and beautiful every thing appears, 
Viewed from this quiet spot. Behind us lies 
This giant city, seemingly at rest, 
But full of life, — active and restless. 



i6o Lessons of Life. 

SPIRIT. 

Why do men labor thus? 
Must they ever toil — straining their sinews, 
And racking the brain, simply to obtain 
Earth's comforts and necessities ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

On promises, or sympathizing words, 
Men cannot live. 'Tis true, the arid rock 
To the dry moss yields nutriment, but men. 
Machine-made slaves, must toil, and sweat, and 

trudge, 
From early dawn, to night's dark hours, simply 
To wring from stony hearts of their tyrant 
Masters, life's bare necessities ! 

Many such there are and ever 
Will be, so long as man's inhumanity 
To man continues ; not of these I speak, 
But of the masses seen in our crowded 
Thoroughfares, and theatres — in the haunts 
Of vice, and dens of infamy. 'Tis a wild, 
Thoughtless age, of gaming and extravagance. 
Men blaspheme God ! they worship sordid gold, 



Lessons of Life. i6i 

Which makes them selfish, arrogant and bold ; 

Gold gives position, sanctifies all vice. 

Freezes the life-blood, turns the heart to ice ; 

Our shoddy princes, neither toil, nor till, 

But spring like mushrooms, from the foul dunghill. 

SPIRIT. 

Men blaspheme God ! Surely, it cannot be ! 
Methinks the avenging Angel would have 
Struck them dead ! 

DR. WISEMAN. 

God's ways, are not as our ways, 
Nor His thoughts, as the thoughts of man. He 

strikes 
Not dead at once the ruthless villain, who. 
In cold blood, murders the sinless infant. 
Or who robs the widow, and fatherless 
Of their rights. Deceitful above all things. 
Is the human heart, and desperately 
Wicked, but of this thou knowest little. 
The ministerial robe should not be worn, 
To cover leprous rags of sin-polluted 
Wretch, or 'neath its folds, conceal a moral 



1 62 Lessons of Life. 

Vagabond, though he can boast a giant's 
Intellect. Mind was created for high 
And noble purposes, but when depraved, 
'Twill mask itself ofttimes in godliness, 
And preach most holy truths, with sin-polluted 
Lips. Men boast their love of country, but proud, 
Ambitious, full of self-conceit, will act 
As foolish, as did the Eastern King, who, 
Flushed with ambitious pride, proposed to strike 
The head from Jupiter's Statue, and place 
His own thereon. — Others will traitors prove ; 
For gold, will sell their country — their birthright, 
For a mess of pottage. 

Some thrive as villains thrive — by deeds 
So horrible as to startle nature, 
And alarm the world. Pride, envy, malice. 
Hate, engender stormy passions — make men 
Ambitious, rash and insolent. The man. 
Who casts aside, all duty and allegiance. 
Distorting truth, and trampling on all law — 
Who shackles reason, and spurns the whisperings 
Of his conscience, is a dangerous traitor, 
Wedded to his shame ; ever should he be 



Lessons of Life. 1 63 

A mark of scorn, the world's derision ; while 
The stings of conscience, and bitter curses 
Of mankind, should make life hateful to him. 

'Twas but last evening, 
In spacious hall, crowded with old and young, 
The thoughtless and the gay, a learned man. 
Ranking high among his fellows ; with gifts 
Rich and exhaustless ; with eloquence bold 
And persuasive, and with an oily tongue, 
Did willfully declare — "there is no God ! 
No Judgment! no Immortal Life!" Boldly, 
He scoffed at sacred things — blasphemed the name 
Of the Almighty, and in sarcastic, 
And defiant tones, cast base ridicule, 
And low contempt on God's most Holy Word. 

Like some destroying plague, 
Which carries in its train both misery 
And death, so were his words most contagious^ 
And poisonous to the vast crowd before 
Him, who by applause and encores oft made, 
Manifested their approval. O Shame ! 
Shame ! — God might then have hurled a thunder- 
bolt. 



164 Lessons of Life. 

And struck them dead, or the arm have palsied 
And tongue have withered, of this rash and bold 
Blasphemer. Not so however ! sunlight 
Still, He throws athwart his pathway, gives him 
Health and strength, feeds and clothes his little ones, 
And blessings without number showers upon 
Him. Thus, He may continue, permitting 
This most ungrateful wretch, to pile up wrath 
Against the day of wrath. 

SPIRIT. 

'Tis terrible to contemplate ! 
This vile scoffer of sacred things, whose breath 
Is in his nostrils, and who with scornful 
Steps, doth tread the path of life — standing with 
Duty and with Deity, in reckless, 
Bold defiance, must surely know that God 
Exists, and feel within himself Immortal 
Life. Can he honestly doubt it ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

God made the mind 
To think, and will, and reason — on it stamped 



Lessons of Life. 165 

Some Great First Truths, foundation of all our 
Reasoning. Is it not true, that every 
Event must have a cause — one adequate 
To the effect? and in vast Nature's works, 
Should we not infer the intelligence, 
The powers and attributes of the First 
Great Cause ? By laws fixed and uniform, all 
Natural things are governed. There, out upon 
The water, onward so swiftly gliding, 
Is a Steamship driven by machinery 
Most complicated — made, and designed by 
Man. See its changing course! moving hither 
And thither, 'mong the great fleet of anchored 
Vessels, and without colliding, passes 
Them. At the helm, a pilot stands, skilful 
And intelligent— his will and judgment 
Directs her course. 

Thus, was perfected and designed, 
The more complicated machinery 
Of the universe ; planets and systems 
Put in motion, and guided in their course, 
By a mind designing, and intelligent — 
One infinite in wisdom, boundless in 



1 66 Lessons of Life. 

Power — self-existent and eternal. 

In the exquisite structure of my frame, 

Should I not see the power and wisdom 

Of my Creator? Who gave it the form, 

So well adapted for its purposes, 

Or caused the heart to beat, driving the life- 

Blood through the veins and arteries? Who made 

The air, the light, the elements of sight 

And sound, fitted, and so well adapted 

To the organs of this human frame-work? 

Who framed the economy of actual 

Things — gave Seasons their great variety. 

Heaven its glorious concave studded 

With its shining stars, back of which, in space 

Fathomless and unknown, are myriads 

Of other stars and systems of the first 

Magnitude? Who, but a real— living 

Architect, whose many works, so beauteous 

And beneficial, prove Him not only 

Skillful and intelligent, but also 

Good, merciful and kind. Man has within 

Himself a monitor — 'tis conscience! which 

Forces upon him the strong conviction 



Lessons of Life., i6y 

or a God, and beyond the grave, a life 
Immortal, and eternal. 

Bewildered in their sophistries, 
The Atheist, and Casuist may scoff 
And ridicule — it matters not ! reason 
And conscience — the small voice within — gives 
The lie to their senseless speculations. 
'Tis true, our faculties are limited ; 
Except from Revelation, as little 
Do we know of life beyond, as the unborn 
Infant in its mother's womb, knows of the 
Present world. The soul confined, and fettered 
In its tenement of clay, sees only 
Objects external, but nothing discerns 
In the great Spirit Land. In His Holy 
Word, God has revealed some truths mysterious, 
And most precious. But the night advances ; 
Let us retire. 



SCENE VII. 

GREENWOOD CEMETERY. AFTERNOON. 

SPIRIT. 

How like some fairy dream-land 
Does this place appear, peaceful and lovely. 
The birds, how joyfully they sing ! how sweet 
The ripples of the little streams, running 
From bubbling fountains — the air, how fragrant ! 
Zephyrs are playing 'mong the forest trees 
Which cast their shadows everywhere, making 
It most delightful. But see the winding 
Paths ; these marble spires ; these domes and 

sculptured 
Statuary, towering sky-ward — mirror- 
Like, reflecting back the sun-rays. Tell me, 
Are these the relics of the past ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

'Tis indeed a peaceful place — 
This great City of the Dead. The empty 
Turmoil of the busy world — the jarring 
Sounds of human strife, and vices hideous 



Lessons of Life. 169 

To behold, come not to this sacred spot, 

For 'tis enchanted ground. Here, oft I come 

When vexed and wearied with the cares of life, 

And 'mid these slopes and new-made graves, covered 

With moss and flowers, sprinkled and kept fresh 

By the mist-like spray of living fountains, 

My soul is hushed to peace, and my spirit 

Harmonizes with the soft, sweet music 

Of the little songsters, rippling brooklets, 

And sighing zephyrs. Here close communion 

Doth my spirit hold, with the dear Saviour 

Who did say *' Lo ! I am with you always ; " 

And then again, the presence of those loved 

Ones gone before, I seem to realize, 

And my wrapt soul seems vanishing from earth 

Into the spirit-land. Ofttimes my heart 

Turns back upon itself, and I review 

My life from childhood up. My mother's smile 

When first I lisped the little prayer she taught, 

Her loving precepts in my boyhood days, 

Upon my soul are photographed. 

How pure 
And innocent is childhood, when nurtured, 



I/O Lessons of Life. 

And rightly guided by a mother's love, 

And by a mother's prayers. These I enjoyed, 

And by them have been blessed. To a good old 

Age my mother lived, doing her Master's 

Will, and when she died, here, in this hallowed 

Spot we buried her. In this silent grave 

Her ashes sleep, but her spirit is with 

The just made perfect. Some one has written, 

" It must be sweet in childhood, to give back 

The spirit to its Maker, ere the heart 

Hath grown familiar with the paths of sin. 

And sown to garner up its bitter fruits." 

'Tis true! but how much sweeter 'tis to die. 

And give one's spirit to its Author back, 

When life's great work, for which it was designed 

Has been accomplished. The aged Christian, 

Who for three score years and ten, has battled 

For his Master, avoiding sinful paths. 

And garnering up most precious fruits from plants 

Transplanted — who has lived an active life 

In doing good to others ; giving bread 

To starving thousands — to the afflicted 

A sympathising heart ; Oh ! such an one. 



Lessons of Life. I j i 

Matured in holiness, and strong in faith, 

Will in his dying moments, hear the voice — 

The still small voice, whispering in his ear, 

*' Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; " he 

Will see a crown of glory — the Victor's 

Crown suspended o'er his head, and Angels, 

All clothed in spotless white, waiting to waft 

Him to the skies. The good man dies, and falls 

Asleep in Jesus. To the memory 

Of the departed, these shrines and marble 

Slabs, sculptured and engraved, have been by friends 

Erected, while the graves from time to time, 

With rare flowers are strewn, fragrant and fresh. 

SPIRIT. 

Do disembodied spirits visit earth, 
Mingling with those who were their relatives 
And friends ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

It may be so ; 
But the great secrets of the Spirit World, 
Are not to mortal eye revealed. We know 
All that is good for man to know— that God 
Exists, and fills immensity of space ; 



1 72 Lessons of Life. 

That spirits from cherubim to lowest 

Angel, are but ministering servants, 

Sent forth on special missions to perform 

His will. Would it then be strange, that He, Who 

Feeds the sparrows — the lilies clothes, and counts 

Our silvery hairs, should now and then, permit 

The dear departed ones to visit earth. 

Whispering in our hearts sweet messages 

Of love, and with their presence encircling 

Us, as the rainbow girdles earth ? 'Tis sweet, 

Here in my favorite bower to sit 

Close by my mother's grave, for here, I've felt 

Her presence, and her arms of love were 'twined 

About me, while the maternal kiss seemed 

Pressed upon my cheek, as when a babe. 

SPIRIT. 

Perhaps a dream ? 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Dreams are a mystery ! 
I have read of those, who, obedient 
To the mysterious guidance of their 
Dreams, have the walls of old ruins clambered, 



Lessons of Life. ly^ 

Footing found along the edge of unguarded 
Battlements, forded streams, yes, clambered 
Dizzy heights, and then with fixed, unseeing 
Eyes to their beds return unharmed. I am 
No sceptic ! but how the mind can thus sway 
And guide the body, blindfolded, cannot 
Be explained. No ! I was not dreaming, but 
I seemed enraptured, or entranced. It was 
Mind acting on mind ; spirit communing 
With spirit ; the disinthralled and sinless, 
Sympathizing with a soul in fetters. 
With mine eyes wide, staring open, gazing 
Into space. Oh ! how I tried but a glimpse 
To catch of her ethereal form, but could 
Not — that was not permitted. 

SPIRIT. 

Most strange, and wonderful it is ! You must 
Have loved your mother ? 

DR. WISEiMAN. 

Loved ! I idolized — yea, almost 
Worshiped her. Pure, loving, truthful, she was 
A model of her sex — of womanhood 

L 



174 Lessons of Life. 

My ideal. I but returned the love 
Bestowed on me. It was her strong desire 
To make her boy a preacher of God's word, 
And a fit instrument for doingr crood 
Among his fellow men. For this, she prayed 
And labored. From school I entered College, 
And having with high honors graduated, 
I studied for the ministry— was then 
Ordained, and for forty years have I preached 
The everlasting gospel, which I trust 
Has not been all in vain. A few years more 
Will end my stewardship. But come ! yonder 
Is a plot, which tells a fearful tale — wouldst 
Visit it, and hear the tragic story? 

SPIRIT 

Is it of one, who. 
Like a crushed, faded blossom, aside was 
Cast as worthless ? or of one, who, o'ercome 
By some great calamity, died broken- 
Hearted ? Let us go at once, and let me 
Hear what thou wouldst say of human 
Suffering. 



Lessons of Life. 175 

DR. WISEMAN. 

Man's folly is proverbial ! How full 

Of human blunders, ignorance and crime 

Is the historic page ! Besmeared with blood, 

It tells of mad ambition, grasping avarice, 

And venal lust — of gold, the shining ore 

For which men pledge their souls —of cruel war 

With all its sick'ning horrors — of griping 

Want, and swollen gluttony. It recounts 

What tj^ranny has done by dungeons, racks, 

And tortures ; so terrible, as to freeze 

The blood within our veins, and stop the heart's 

Pulsations — of bloody persecutions. 

Whereby with human gore the very streest 

Were flooded, when old and young, like yellow 

Leaves from trees did fall — victims of the hour. 

Of these I speak not ; nor shall I tell 
Of pestilence and famine, which stalketh 
Forth at noon-day, dragging countless victims 
In their train — nor of the fierce tornado. 
Fearful earthquakes, or ravenous sea, which 
At times, fiend-like will swallow up those 
Resting on her bosom. Thou hast seen fire? 



\']6 Lessons of Life. 

A blessing, and a comfort to our race 

When kept in proper bounds and well controlled. 

Warmth it gives, and sustenance — generates 

The steam which propels our ocean steamships — 

Which drives huge trains of freight o'er our iron 

Roads with lightning speed, and in motion sets 

The complicated machinery of our 

Workshops. Once let loose, like human passions, 

It becomes frightful and destructive. 

In this great '' City of Churches," 
There was erected a massive building, 
To the Drama dedicated. Modern 
In style and architecture, it was built 
With circles, galleries, parquet, and with 
An orchestra whence issued most joyous 
Music, sweet and harmonious. The stage, 
On which the Actors played their parts, covered 
All o'er with scenes, draped and festooned, appeared 
When lighted up with brilliant gas lights, like 
Pictures in fairy land. Lovely it looked. 
One evening — seems but yesterday ; — the house 
Well filled with gay and thoughtless ones, with old 
And young, seemed " Pleasure's Temple," for here sat 



Lessons of Life, 177 

Side by side, parents and children, brother 
And sister, lover and maid seemingly 
Entranced, as in wonder they gazed on scenes 
And actors, or listened to sweetest strains 
Of music. 

Little thought 
This vast assembly, that Death had stalked 
With them in by the open door, ready 
Stood to play his part in the great drama 
Of '' The Two Orphans." The play proceeded ! 
In the last intended act, the curtain 
Had just been raised, when Death, like an arrant 
Knave, stealthily and unseen breathed upon 
A jet light, driving its flickering flame 
Upon a drop scene, along which, creeping 
In silence, it leaped boldly on festooned 
Drapery, throwing out its red-forked tongues 
Of fire, like hissing serpents. One moment 
Only, and the red, lurid flames burst forth 
In one great mass of fire, unquenchable 
And resistless. Then came another wave 
Of black, dense smoke, rising from pit to dome ; 
Shut in by high, strong walls, it filled the house 



178 Lessons of Life. 

With hot, sulphureous air, and vapors 

Most obnoxious. Here, there, and everywhere, 

Flitting shadows could be seen of half-crazed 

Men, fainting women, and frightened children, 

Jostling, crowding, crushing, each the other. 

As shrieking and panic-stricken, they rushed 

Headlong towards the exit. Others hurried 

To and fro, crying for help, but no one 

Heeded, It was a race for life ! each one 

Must save himself, and the hot brain was racked 

Till it became delirious. And still 

The fire most pitiless did rage, darting 

Its bright, burnished fangs into the faces 

Of its victims, gasping and suffocated 

From the smoke compressed. Nothing could avail ! 

And the great surging mass of human life, 

Together went through the broken flooring, 

Down into one common grave. Three hundred. 

Moth-like perished. 

O Death ! how merciless 
Thou art ! thou didst stand a cold skeleton. 
Heartless, fleshless, bloodless, gazing upon 
The work of thine own hand — upon this heap 



Lessons of Life. 179 

Of mangled, torn, and scorched humanity. 
More cruel art thou than the Emperor 
Solyman, the heartless Turk, who killed his 
Favorite in his sleep, lest pain he should 
Inflict. Why not come, and take life gently. 
As do the Egyptains, who, criminals 
Destroy by asps— charming into quiet 
Sleep their senses ? 

Into ruins, crumbled 
This great fabric man had reared, and from its 
Smouldering embers, forth were borne, the charred 
Remains of many victims. In this spot. 
Fourscore and ten were buried ! Here they rest, 
In one great, common grave. 

SPIRIT. 

Thy words are heart-rending. 
I do not envy man, nor his estate, 
For Death like spectral shadow, seems ever 
On his track. 

DR. V^ISEMAN. 

True, all must die! 
But when, or how, we know not, for Death comes 
As doth a thief, and takes us unawares. 



i8o Lessons of Life. 

The great curse, '' Thou shalt surely die y' man brought 

Upon himself by wilful disobedience. 

God perfect is ! sinless and pure ! and so 

Was man ; but when temptation came he fell, 

And scattered evils, thickly as shells on 

Ocean's sands. Since it must come, it matters 

Little when we die, if but prepared. Dust 

Unto dust returns, but the Spirit unto 

God who gave it. Death loosens the silver 

Cord — breaks the golden bowl — into pieces 

Dashes the crystal urn. Like the pitcher 

Broken at the fountain, or wheel broken 

At the cistern, so our frail bodies, 

Worthless are cast aside. What matters it ! 

The soul unfettered will go up to God 

Pure as a snow-flake, and bright as evening 

Star, will shine forever and forever. 



In Memoriam 



In Memoriam.* 



Life is most mysterious ! 
What makes the heart to throb — the pulse to beat, 
And through the system drives the warm life-blood, 
Thence to the heart returns it ? What power 
Invisible starts this human time-piece, 
So fearfully and wonderfully made ? 
Whence comes the breath that makes the livingr- 

soul 

A soul, immortal and unchangeable ? 
'Tis not by chance ! 
The same Almighty Power that fixed the laws, 
Absolute and eternal, which govern 
All shining worlds and countless stars, which has 
Thickly strewn infinity with grandeur, 
Created man — the noblest work of God ! 

Death, too, is most mysterious I 
What is death ? Is it a famished Vampire, 
A Spirit Fiend, heartless and invisible, 

1S3 



1 84 If^ Memoriarn. 

Which comes and goes at will, as blood-hounds 
Go, scenting the tracks of frightened victims? 
Will seize a King sitting upon his throne, 
Or beggar in the street, and to the same 
Cold grave consign them — crush the fair maiden 
Sauntering 'mong the flowers, or can kill 
The infant, innocent and beautiful, 
While smiling in his very face ? No, no ! 
This mysterious something we call Death, 
Is but the hand of God— of Him, whose great 
Omniscient eye gazes far down into 
The dark future, and doeth all things well. 
Grieve not, O mother ! for thy cherub boy, 
Whose cheek crimsoned with purest life-blood. 
And whose head covered all o'er with clustering 
Ringlets, was laid gently upon thy bosom, 
As lisping his simple prayer, he quickly 
Fell asleep, dreaming of white-robed Angels, 
Even while Death taking the form of croup,* 
Noiselessly, stealthily appeared, and from 
The lovely casket, took the bright jeweled 
Spirit. Grieve not ! for its brief work was done, 
And thus unfettered, it went up to God 



In Mentor iain. 185 

Pure as a snow-flake, and bright as Evening 
Star, will shine forever and forever. 

Who has not lost a friend ? 
Or standing o'er the cold and silent grave. 
Has not watered it with gushing, scalding 
Tears, as memories of the past, crowded 
The burdened mind ? A few days since — but 

yesterday. 
We performed the last sad rite the living 
Owe the dead — the burial of our Father. 

Among the masses of mankind, 
There have in every age been found, good men, 
Whose characters like burnished gold, have shone 
Spotless and pure. Generous,, unselfish. 
Full of faith and holy love, they have lived 
Not for themselves, but to promote the good 
Of others, and magnify the Great Name 
Of Him who governs all. Like oases 
In a barren desert, so in the moral 
World, where everything seems scorched, and 

shriveled 
Up by sin, such characters look fruitful 
And most refreshing:. Unknown, unhonored 



1 86 /;/ Meinoriavi. 

They may be — on history' s]page their names may 
Not be written —it matters not ! for in 
The great Book of Life, they are enrolled. 

Such was our father ! 
Venerable in years, rich in experience, 
Strong in faith, and with a heart most loving 
And sympathetic, he dwelt among us 
Encircled by God's presence, as rainbow 
Girdles earth. 

His life went out, as day ofttimes departs 
In glorious sunset, leaving all earthly 
Things arrayed in glory — adorned with tints 
Of purple, crimson, and of gold. Upon 
Its mother's bosom, the tender infant 
Nursed, petted and caressed, will smile and fall 
Asleep in happy innocence ; and thus 
This aged man, strong in his faith, and full 
Of love and holy zeal, did breathe his last, 
And without suffering or pain, sweetly 
Did fall asleep in Jesus. 

As forest leaves about to die, 
Put on their loveliest hues, thus did he die. 
With crest, and coat of arms upon his heart 



In Mentor iam. 187 

And conscience stamped, while on his brow appeared 

The imprint of nobility. In light, 

And glory, as the old year went to its 

Grave, with all the autumnal glories 

In its train, so passed he away — not bound 

An unwilling captive, to the chariot 

Wheel of the all conquering Death, but went 

In a triumphal march, with victory 

Perched upon his banner, and to his Soul's 

Coronation. 

Four thousand times an hour, for ninety, and three 

Years, his faithful heart, night and day had throbbed, 

Keeping in motion the current of his 

Life blood ; but his work was done, and on God's 

Holy day, at early dawn, he rested 

From his labors. Rest thee, our father ! 

While the frail body crumbles into dust, 

The soul immortal has gone up to God, 

With powers well suited for the spirit world. 



* Mr. Elislia Bliss, of Hartford, Conn., ninety-three years of age, and 
with one exception, the oldest male resident of that city, died on Sunday 
morning, January 2, 1881. There had been a gathering of his children 
and grand children on New Year's night, and he had seemingly 
enjoyed himself very much, taking an active part in the social exercises 
and amusements of the evening. Bidding all good night, he retired 
about 10 o'clock. He was found dead in his bed the next morning, lying 
in his usual position and with the bed-clotlung undisturbed. His lamp of 
life had gone out, even without flickerinsr. 



Miscellaneous. 



M 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



THE MISER'S FATE. 



The Miser entereii his vile abode, 
Placed the cross-bar on the door, 
Examined the locks — examined the bolts, 
*' All safe," as ever before. 

No sunlight, or moonlight, or starlight, 
Entered that darkened cell ; 
But he lit his two-penny candle, 
Like a watchman, saying " all's well !" 

Then went he to one of the corners ; 
A corner under his cot, 
In the floor, a secret door opened, 
A door he never forgot. 



192 Miscellaneous. 

His treasures of gold, and of silver, 
Upon the table he laid. 

All faded with age and covered with mould, 
A huge, massive pile they made. 

Thirsty, and supperless, down he sat, 
And spread out his hoarded store, 
He counted it once — he counted it twice, 
Three times he counted it o'er. 

'Twas a terrible night ! so frosty and cold, 

The wind most viciously blew. 

It rocked the old hovel, rushed through the cracks. 

It chilled him through, and through. 

Still colder it grew ! the mercury fell 
Some twenty degrees below ; 
No fire on his hearth I no fuel ! no food ! 
Through each crevice sifted the snow. 



■fc>* 



He laid himself down on his coverless bed. 
And clasped to his chilly breast, 
The God of his heart — his silver and gold. 
And sank to his cheerless rest. 



Miscellaneous, 193 

Did they give him warmth ? those golden coins, 
Did they thaw out his freezing veins ? 
Did they nourish, and strengthen the physical man ^ 
Did they soothe and lessen his pains ? 

This man of rags — unshaven, unshorn, 
Next day was found on his bed, 
With a smile on his face, a ghastly smile — 
Still hugging his idols — but dead. 

Enshrouded in gold, he lay "in state," 
There was gold behind and before, 
There was gold at his head, and gold at his feet. 
To be counted by him — nevermore ! 

A spectral burglar had entered the door, 
'Mid the storm, and hurricane's breath, 
And stole, not the gold, but the life, and the soul 
Of the wretch — tJiat burglar zuas Death. 



A MIDNIGHT TRAGEDY. 



Brutes know their foes by instinct, m\d if one 
Approaches, they will fly, or brace themselves 
For battle. The wren, the most diminutive 
Of all the feathered tribe, seeing a bird 
Of prey, will in some darkened corner, or 
In some quiet nook, its young secrete, and 
If there attacked — will to the last defend 
Them. The mother-fowl, instinctively broods 
Her little ones, and with her body makes 
A breast-work for their safety, ere the hawk, 
Poising himself in mid air, and swooping 
Down can reach them. The feeblest worm that 

crawls 
If trodden on, turns on its foe and seeks 
Revenge. Can man do less ? If ignobly 
Wronged, he will be avenged let come what may 
And if assaulted, will himself defend. 
Though he take life in doing it. 



Miscellaneous. 195 

The sun had set.— The shades of night 
Were densely gathering, when I, a wearied 
Traveler, stopped at a village inn, in the 
Far West. 'Twas in the month of August, hot 
And sultry day, and not a breath of air 
To fan my feverish brain, as dust covered 
I alighted from my horse, and gave my 
Orders — both for man and beast. It was 
A quiet house ; the landlord, thoughtful man, 
Bestirred himself to do my bidding. 

'Tis true, some idlers 
Could be seen, lounging about the bar-room — 
Rough-looking men, who with a smack drank down 
Vile whiskey, keeping however, an eye 
Upon the stranger as if bent on mischief. 

I retired to rest. 
And, wearied as I was, soon fell asleep ; 
Not soundly did I sleep, for nervousness 
Had made me restless. Soon midnight came, — dead 
Hour when good men are at rest, but ruffians 
Are abroad ; when fiends do yell, and crimes 
Are perpetrated. Little did I dream 
That even then, one of the lowest class. 



196 Miscellaneous. 

A most inhuman wretch ! assassin-like — 
Armed to the teeth, was slyly creeping in 
Upon me ! Stealthily he came, and in 
My flesh his poisoned fangs he thrust, and with 
Gluttonous appetite — cannibal-like was 
Drinking up the life-blood of my being, 
And I woke up in agony. Oh ! how 
I started up — went bounding out of bed 
After my murderous foe, and having struck 
A light, I pressed him hotly, —to the wall 
I drove him, and obtained revenge. I killed 
Him there ! — the villainous mosquito. 



WESTMINSTER. 



READ AT THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF WESTMINSTER CHURCH, BLOOM- 
FIELD, N. J., HAVING BEEN ORGANIZED BY CERTAIN MEMBERS, 
WHO WITHDREW FOR THAT PURPOSE FROM THE FIRST PRESBY- 
TERIAN CHURCH. 



Once on a time, within my garden wall, 

In a quiet nook, where light and dew did fall, 

I had transplanted with the greatest care 

A little tiny twig — valued, and rare ; 

No tender infant at its mother's breast, 

With careful nursing, could have been more blest ; 

But yet, its fresh leaves drooped— and at my feet, 

Alone, in solitude it seemed to weep. 

I knew it would not die — that cherished flower — 

For it was watered by an April shower ; 

Refreshed, revived, it raised its drooping head, 

And kissed the sunbeams playing round the bed. 

From this time on, as if by magic power, 

It grew in strength — in beauty every hour; 

With pride I pruned its branches, shaped its form, 

Strengthened its roots, secured it from the storm. 



198 Miscellaneous, 

Plve years had passed ! — the twig was then a tree, 
Mere sapHng it is true, but I could see 
Choice fruit suspended, which a lesson taught ; 
Our lives should active be — with good works fraught. 
Wide are its branches now, its roots are deep, 
A refuge from the storm — from Summer's heat; 
Rich in its fruits, with pleasure I recall 
This dear old tree, beside the garden wall. 

Once on a time, near by our village green, 
A neat and rustic chapel could be seen, 
In a quiet nook, 'mid the sunbeams fair, 
Our infant church has been transplanted there. 
This beauteous flower from it-s mother's breast 
So gently had we plucked, it seemed at rest ; 
This Heavenly plant, with zealous care and fears. 
Nourished in love, we watered with our tears; 
Around our hearts, its tendrils it did twine, 
In strength and beauty grew this fruitful vine ; 
First, blossoms came, then purple fruit it bore, 
By careful pruning it produced the more. 

Five years have passed ! This infant church is now 
A tower of strencrth, and on her matchless brow 



Miscellaneous, 199 

Enthroned in innocence, is smiling Love, 

With her attendant Graces from above. 

How strong in faith ! in joyous hope, how bright ! 

Like rising sun, she scatters beams of light ; 

\x\ good works active, for the poor a care. 

Fervent in Spirit —diligent in prayer, 

Then onward in Faith ! for you now behold 
The buds and blossoms all fringed with gold ; 
The ripening fruit, with its foliage green, 
In various colors may be seen. 

Then onward in Hope ! your future is bright, 
The clear sun by day, the bright stars by night 
Will lighten your pathway — will cheer you on 
In the noble work, so well begun. 

Then onward in Love ! united and strong ! 
Build up what is right, discard what is wrong; 
Onward and upward, our motto shall be, 
For time, and through all Eternity. 



GIVE US THIS DAY, OUR DAILY BREAD. 



" Give us this day, our daily bread ; " 
How often asked — how thoughtless said, 
Bat 'tis a general term, you know, 
As used by mortals here below. 

*' Give us our daily bread " we pray, 
All use it rightly ; the same way. 
But 'tis a comprehensive prayer, 
Implying several kinds of v/are. 

One means a crust a bit of meat, 
An Irish stew, unfit to eat, 
Some cast-off clothing — hut of clay; 
His SUV 11 nil in bo mini, day by day. 

One means good, substantial food, 
(Meat once a day is understood) 
Milk for the children — space to roam, 
A rustic cottage — ^quiet home. 

200 



Miscellaneous. 201 

One means more than a simple dish. 

For after soup, he wants his fish ; 

Then orders on the roast beef rare, 

Has just commenced his sumptuous fare, 

For on the side-board soon appear 

Pies, dumplings, puddings, coffee clear. 

Ices and cream — and in* the train 

Come sparkling wines, and choice champagne. 

The man of fashion — nice and prim, 
Thinks of new suits, " nobby " and trim ; 
His wife, of course, must have her share. 
She goes for silks and diamonds rare. 

The millionaire, with wealth untold, 
Clings to his bonds, and stocks, and gold, 
And prays for more — petition strains 
To take in profits, rents and gains. 

The politician as of yore, 
Means office, plunder, and a score 
Of other things — he ne'er forgets 
To call them "" Jwnest perquisites T 



202 Miscellaneous. 

Our prayer should be, our daily bread, 
In peace, contentment to be fed ; 
If we have wealth — of goods a store, 
To make us Almoners to the poor. 



REFLECTIONS. 



ON THE DEATH OF A DEAR FRIEND. 



As Autumn leaves are dropping, 
Touched by an early frost, 
As sweetest flowers are blasted, 
And all their fragrance lost ; 

As evening shadows flitting, 
Will from our pathway glide, 
Like sunbeams which go dancing, 
Like ebb and flood of tide ; 

As wave upon the ocean, 
Dies on the sandy shore. 
Like ripple on the water, 
Which sinks for evermore ; 

As mighty ships are stranded. 
Beneath the maelstrom's sway. 
As midnight dreams most vivid, 
Do quickly pass away ; 



204 Miscellaneous. 

Like bubble floating in the air, 
Like rainbow, changeable, but fair, 
Like pearl-drop in an infant's eye. 
Like snow-flake from an April's sky ; 

Thus Human Life is fleeting, 
A moment's space — no more ! 
To-day we live — to-morrow die, 
And our brief toil is o'er. 

Another light extinguished. 
Another spirit fled, 
Another form lies lifeless 
In its cold and silent bed. 

Another heart ceased throbbing. 
Another pulse is still, 
Another saint in glory 
Doing her Maker's will. 

With golden harp, with sceptre bright, 
All clothed in robes of dazzling light 
Her ransomed spirit now at rest. 
Forever with the Angels blest. 



LIFE AND DEATH 



Earth to earth, and dust to dust ! 
Gold will tarnish — steel will rust, 
Flowers will fade, and dazzling light 
Of brightest day, will change to night. 

Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; 
Storms will gather — bubbles burst, 
The sea will yawn — wild waters hiss. 
While wrecks go down in the abyss. 

Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; 
In human strength we cannot trust, 
Dreams will vanish — hopes decay. 
And noon-day glory fade away. 

Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; 
Die we may, and die we must, 
Joys will change to bitter sorrow — 
Life to-day — but death to-morrow. 



2o6 Miscellaneous. 

Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; 
The rich, the poor, the vile, the just ; 
All will be changed— for all must die. 
Each in his narrow grave will lie. 

Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; 
What matters it ? — the Soul will burst 
Its shackles ! — free from earthy sod, 
'Twill mount unfettered to its God. 



* 

CHRISTMAS HYMN. 



KKCITED ON CHRISTMAS EVE, BEFORE THE SABBATH SCHOOL OF 
WESTMINSTER CHURCH, BLOOMFIELD, N. J. 



Another year is past and gone, 
Another festive season come, 
With sparkling eyes — with joyous face 
We crowd this sacred, holy place. 

Westminster ! Endearing name ! 
She claims no titles, wealth or fame, 
No stately dome, no belfry high, 
No turrets pointing to the sky ; 

No ivory throne, no glorious nave, 
No sculptured figures of the brave, 
No groined roof — no tombs of Kings, 
No crumbling monuments she brings; 



2o8 Miscellaneous. 

No images of saints in gold, 

No transepts, cloisters as of old, 

No high mass said — no low mass done, 

No Prelate's voice, " Dominus vobiscuin.'' 

Bedecked alone with fragrant flowers, 
Culled by fair hands from Nature's bowers, 
This young church stands, as she zv ill stand, 
A model from the Master's hand. 

Within these gates may Peace and Love, 
Bring richest blessings from above, 
Our songs of praise — our solemn prayer. 
Bespeak, O Lord ! thy presence here. 

To our loved Pastor, who has striven 
To lead our wandering souls to heaven, 
Our heartfelt thanks we give, and pray 
That God will bless him day by day. 

Our Superintendent's smiling face. 
Beaming with love and heavenly grace, 
Witli welcome hearts we ever greet, 
When in the Sabbath School we meet. 



Miscellaneous. 209 

Teachers ! to you, our thanks we owe, 
For kindness — watchful care you show, 
For good works done, instruction given, 
Turning our thoughts from earth to heaven. 

God bless all worlds, God bless the earth, 
God bless the land that gave us birth — 
Our church, our school, this festive sight, 
God bless us all ! Good Night ! Good Night ! 



